A golfer takes a shot during a friendly match at the Patna Golf Club. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Aug. 24: A decade ago when Arjun Atwal had visited Bihar, the ace golfer was going through a rocky phase, both on the professional and personal front. He desperately needed a break and some time out to rejuvenate.

About 10 years ago, the man who became the first Indian to win on the US PGA tour in the Wyndham Championship on Sunday, had stayed in the famous Bihar School of Yoga in Munger district for almost three months. According to him, his stint in Bihar proved to be a major confidence booster and many believe that since then he never had to look back.

In a chat with The Telegraph, senior golfers at Patna Golf Club said Atwal, when in Bihar, played a few tournaments in the club in the late 90s. Established by the British in 1916, the Patna Golf Club is the only golf club in Bihar. Roshan Sharan, the former captain of the club said that Atwal played a few tournaments in the club during his Bihar visit.

“In early 90s, he played a few professional tournaments here. It is a good feeling that he has won the title. It is a proud moment for the nation,” he said. Sachidanand Sinha, the former secretary of the club, said that his stay at the yoga school proved vital for him. “His three-month stay at the school helped him gain confidence and the rest is history. His winning streak started only after his Bihar visit,” Sinha said. However, all attempts to get in touch with the yoga school officials failed.

Sharan added that though the state government is doing its bit, the golf club needs more attention. “This club is in the heart of the city and is the only one in Bihar. We are optimistic that the government will support us to promote the sport in the state. Moreover, cost of one round of the game, here is probably the cheapest in the country,” he said.

Sinha added that one round of golf, which consists of 9 holes, come for just Rs 35. “One can play 18 holes for Rs 60. In golf clubs in Delhi or Mumbai, the same could cost hundreds and even thousands,” Sinha said.

The state government had planned to set up a golf course in Bodh Gaya keeping in mind the number of foreign tourists arriving every year in the holy town.

The proposal is, however, caught in red tape for the last eight years. “The club faced an existential threat during the 1930s, however, a few IAS officers and lawyers revived it in 1960. The facelift of the club was done during then Bihar governor Dev Kant Barua’s tenure in 1971-72. They were avid golfers. At present, the club has 500 members,” Sinha said.

Since then the club has been encouraging children to take interest in the sport. “At present, we have 17 to 18 children aged between 12 and 16 years playing golf in the club. Senior citizens, aged above 80 are also regular golfers. About 20 women practice the sport here. Each Sunday, we organise tournaments for the club members,” Sinha said.