It’s that time of the year when birdies and eagles don’t just imply birds and weekends aren’t just about club-hopping. Golfers of the city unite for the second edition of Royal Premier Golf League, in association with The Telegraph, which teed off last weekend. But before the C for Competition started, the oldest golf club in the world outside the British Isles saw C for Camaraderie at the opening night party on December 16. t2 gets you the snapshots.
WHAT: Royal Premier Golf League, in association with The Telegraph
WHERE: Royal Calcutta Golf Club
WHEN: January 6 to March 18 (Fridays to Sundays)
WHAT TO EXPECT: The second edition sees 420 players split into 20 teams. The tourney teed off with a round-robin stage as the teams are split into two groups. The top four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals of the Winner’s Plate and the next four teams will head into the Loser’s Plate.
WHAT’S NEW: Download the RPGL app, available for Android and iOS, to stay updated on every bogey and birdie.
Calcutta mayor Sovan Chatterjee (left) was the chief guest and he was felicitated by RCGC captain Aditya Khaitan. Chatterjee also picked the chits for the draw of the tournament. “RPGL is a member-centric tournament and in the last year has had a positive impact among club members. The purpose of members bonding and playing together has been achieved and this year, even more members have come forward to take part in it,” said Khaitan, who is playing for Avengers Red.
What up! Ratul Sood of Sood caught up with buddy Arjun Atwal.
Strength and conditioning coach Ranadeep Moitra (left) with Jayanta Gohain, who’ll be swinging for Avengers Red this time.
Gaurav Upadhaya (left), director, Emta Coal, with Colonel Devrishi Singhal, CEO, RCGC.
The exes caught up at RCGC! Former club captain Aditya Bajoria (left) with former Indian Golf Union president Jaideep Chitlangia.
Rajeev Mohta flanked by his 1982 Asian Games silver medal-winning teammate ‘Bunny’ Lakshman Singh and Lakshman’s wife Sharan. Bunny also won an individual gold at the same tournament.
Gaurav Ghosh, RCGC committee member and part of Avengers Black, with wife Neelanjana. “There are more teams and it’s much more evenly-contested... so it’s going to be really tight this year,” said GG.
Raima Sen, Arjun Atwal and Uday Modi, principal sponsor of the tourney and also owner of the team GreenTech Giants, keep it cool.
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Raima Sen looked winter-ready in her leather jacket and knee-high boots.
Actress Riya Sen with ace Indian golfer Arjun Atwal, who was back on his home course for the McLeod Russel Tour Championship 2016.
“The Royal Premier Golf League has grown exponentially from last year. Probably one of the largest club tournaments in the world. But most importantly, it brings the members together. We make many more new friends!” said Abhay Pasari, convener of RPGL.
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
