Tee off: Fresh blood in old game

Jamshedpur, April 4: The putt or swing may not be perfect, but the entry of fresh-breed of golfers is aiding the game to climb popularity charts in the city.

From a mere figure of 50 some five years ago, the number of amateur golfers has grown to 270-odd, indicating that the game is slowly but steadily making its presence felt here.

Senior golfers and experts cite varied reasons for the rise in number of people taking to golf. Curiosity, an opportunity to socialise, health and fitness, glamour and, of course, top-notch infrastructure are the vital factors that are attracting people.

The middle-aged and retired sections have chosen golf as a handy vehicle for health and fitness. Some use it for socialising and building contacts. “Golf has registered a tremendous growth in terms of number of participants,” says Alan Singh, a former captain of the Indian squad in the 1986 Seoul Asian Games. The city also boasts of a conducive environment for the game. So, experts predict that the game may become even more popular over the years.

But of late, school students, housewives and retired people are the new entrants to the greens. Even former sportspersons have taken to the game with equal zeal, sparing time in the weekends. “It is beng seen that even parents of wannabe golfers, have started showing a keen interest in the game. “Its a cascading effect,” said Singh with a laugh.

“I think golf is no longer a sport for the city elite . The increase in number of participants is indicative that it has opened up for general people,” said a senior golfer.

“My son joined the training centre some months ago. I would drop him everyday to the golf course. Watching him play made me feel that I should also give it a shot. Now I am also a part of golf fraternity of this city,” a home maker and a mother added. And there were many others like her.

For now, the steel city boasts of two nine-hole golf courses, at Beldih and Golmuri. The classy flood-lit driving range adds up to the facility. A well-equppied pro-shop near the Beldih course sells golf equipment.