[To share news about initiatives to promote golf across the country, please email Amit and Karthik]
Jaipur
Golf for Positive Affirmation
The Ultimate Foundation – led by renowned
golfers Jyoti Randhawa and Digvijay Singh in
partnership with Jaipur-based NGO ‘Rays – Aasha Ki Ek Kiran’ launched a golf program for HIV-positive children at Rambagh Go~ Club, Jaipur. The foundation has been working towards transforming lives through golf.
‘Rays’ is an initiative of Capt. Virk and Mrs. Kucal who, with the support of some well-wishers, have set up homes for HIV-positive children. The children are housed and educated by the NGO which relies on funds generated through individual efforts.
The idea of positive affirmation through golf
originated from a desire to grow the game among all sections of society and remove the elitism that the game is generally associated with. That golf is a non-contact sports seems to be eminently suitable for positive children.
The initiative has been welcomed by Rambagh GolfClub and its team, led by its captain Giriraj Singh. The Princess of Jaipur Mrs. Diya Kumari, who is also a legislator, has come in support of the initiative too. The coaches from Ultimate Foundation – Pritam Saikia and Karanbir Singh – regularly travel to Jaipur to take the program forward. Efforts are being made by the foundation and ‘Rays’ to generate funds to expand the program and one hopes that few positive children will be participating in the amateur circuit in the next three years.
Wg Cdr Arun K Singh (Retd.), former Director General of the Indian Go~ Union (IGU), has been working with both NGOs to support the growth of golf in the country.
Pune
Summer Camp at Oxford
The Leadbetter Golf Academy at Oxford Golf Resort. Pune. is conducting a golf camp for children of all ages this summer.
The ‘JuniorSummerGolfCamp’. which commenced mid-May. comprises an 8-lesson programme – spaced out over four weeks- and is designed to introduce young golfers to the game and build their confidence on the fairways.
ACADEMY DIRECTOR LAURENCE
BRDTHERIDGE SAID, “WE AIM TO
CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT
WHICH IS CONDUCIVE TO FUN,
LEARNING. AND FRIENDSHIP…
IE TEACH PROVEN METHODS THAT
PRODUCE RESULTS SO THAT EACH
JUNIOR HAS THE BEST CHANCE OF
FULFlLLlNG THEIR POTENTIAL.”