A player practises golf at Infocity Golf Club in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 26: The city’s suave and elite section, from businessmen to aristocrats, can be seen picking up the nuances of golf. In fact, the Bhubaneswar Golf Club has turned into the most happening place for the who’s who of the capital.

Dropping in at the plush 5,900-yard course, one gets to enjoy the comfort of a lavish lounge, conference room, billiard room, card room and even a rest-o-bar to chill-out after a game or two. At present, more than 600 members are registered in the golf club.

Weekends are a busy time here. While some members can be seen playing shots, others can be seen enjoying a sip of beverage and munching on titbits admiring the scenic view of a serene, picturesque countryside from the hilltop.

The golf course is equipped with just nine holes instead of the usual 18, but there are plans to increase the course according to the standard international size.

Owing to the exorbitant membership fee of Rs 2 lakh for the commoners, Rs 25,000 for government officials and around Rs 6 lakh for corporate members, bigwigs from the business, political, bureaucracy and armed forces sector promote the game.

“One requires a lot of skill and intelligence to play the game. Though many have a notion that golf belongs to the “elite”, we are trying to break the stigma. We wish to make it a popular sport for Orissa’s youth,” said Dalbir Singh, a member. The executive panel of the Bhubaneswar Golf Club is trying to expand the game’s popularity. Now, the course has three full-time coaches to give guidance to novices.

“Our golf members are usually from 21-75 years of age. We are trying to attract the ‘catchment segment’, that is youngsters from 8-14 years in order to produce national level players. Our course has all the features and contours like hillocks, undulating land, elephant bath, crocodile bath, narrow fairways and water bodies to match up to international standards. Practicing here, our players can perform well at international events,” said golf captain, P.K. Mohanty.

The golf club is also planning to introduce various other athletic activities such as rock climbing and swimming to draw in more members.

Bhubaneswar Golf Club participates in 12 tournaments in a year. Nalco Eastern Golf Tournament, CII Eastern Event, Falcon, McDowell Signature Golf Championship, Past President’s Golf Tournament are few of the prestigious events. “The history and tradition of golf makes one feel that it is a sport only for the affluent. In fact, golf is an expensive game. But it is time Orissa produces some players to participate in international golf events,” added Mohanty.