B P Kumar Babu is a first generation entrepreneur who has successfully helmed Cornerstone Properties and a host of other enterprises within the real estate sector. Golf Digest india caught up with him to learn more about his passion for golf
GDI: When did you start playing golf and what do you like about the game?
I got my membership at KGA in 2004 and that’s when I started playing the game. Golf relaxes my mind and energizes my thoughts. It’s a sport for life. The smell of the freshly cut grass, the sound of a crisply struck iron shot gives you a high!!
GDI: Cornerstone Properties has associated with Cornerstone Cup Karnataka Golf Festival, how did that come about and what are your future plans for the event?
Golf as a game gives us the right connect with both B2B and B2C. Golf is not just a sport but a lifestyle statement. The crème de la crème of Bangalore was present during the 4 days of the event and provided us with excellent and focused branding opportunities for Cornerstone as a Corporate entity.
GDI: What do you think is the potential of Karnataka as a golf tourism destination?
Golf Tourism in Karnataka holds tremendous potential especially due to the salubrious climate Bengaluru offers. With the Karnataka government adding golf tourism to its tourism policy and offering incentives to set up golf courses across the State, this move could help bring in golf enthusiasts from other parts of the country and abroad.
GDI: Does Cornerstone plan to create sports facilities for future projects? Do you feel sports facilities add a lifestyle element to housing?
Sports amenities by default have become hygiene factors in most residential projects. We offer amenities like Tennis, Badminton and Golf Putting Green in our projects and these add the lifestyle angle to them.
GDI: What is the concept of a “Sports city”?
Cornerstone has proposed a Project to bring all possible Sports Facilities and Entertainment, under one destination called “Integrated Sports City” in Bengaluru.
Golf course development is considered to be very profitable as it fetches high margins. The marketability of a property that is 50 to 60 km from the city increases if it has a golf course as the centre of attraction
GDI: What do you think of the trend to have a golf course in a real estate project?
Golf courses thriving with real estate have been a trend worldwide. Golf course development is considered to be very profitable as it fetches high margins. The marketability of a property that is 50 to 60 km from the city increases if it has a golf course as the centre of attraction.
GDI: Who is your favorite golfer?
Tiger Woods
GDI: Which is your favorite golf course?
KGA in Bengaluru