Deo Narayan Mahto

As Tiger Woods prepares to tee-off at Oak Hills for a last shot at a Major this season, at least one person in remote Ranchi will be watching his every move with a prayer on his lips. Ferrying files from one table to another six days a week, Deo Narayan Mahto has little in common with the American, except their passion for golf.

A Grade IV employee with CMPDI, the 40-year-old Mahto has been a regular at the golfing greens for the past 18 years. “Golf is a passion with me. I just cannot leave it. If I don’t play at least two to three games a week, I become restless,” says the father of two.

Mahto’s fascination for golf dates back to 1985, a year after he joined CMPDI. “I used to see army officers playing the game at Army Cockrel Golf Club. I started assisting them. Gradually, I learned the game with their help and soon it became a passion.”

But golf is expensive, especially for a poorly-paid peon who has to sustain a family. Luckily for Mahto, news of his interest in the sport reached then CMPDI chairman Mahdeep Singh. “He was a regular golfer. When I told him that I too was one, he took interest. Singh saab used to call me regularly to his practice sessions. We also tried to set up a golf course at the Morahbadi Ground, but unfortunately, it did not take off.” says Mahto.

The amateur golfer got help from the CMPDI management, which provided him a golf kit. “I was fortunate enough to get all assistance from the company top brass. On my own, I would never have been able to afford it. There are 14 golf sticks for different hits in a single kit. The entire kit costs around Rs 1 lakh.” S.N. Sharma, who succeeded Singh as chairman, was an equally adept golfer.

“He too helped me a lot. We used to play the game for hours together. J.P. Singh, the present chairman, has also proved to be a great source of inspiration. I go to different places for tournaments. The management pays for my expenses,” says the man, who idolises Woods. Like Woods, Mahto hasn’t let down his benefactors. He won the first prize at the All-India Public Sector Golf tournament at Sambalpur. Coal India emerged the champions and Mahto was given the award for best golfer. In the Som Dutt Cup, played at Army Cockrel Golf Club, he was the runners-up. He has also won numerous awards in CMPDI tournaments.