WIGA has done well to encourage caddy golf
The annual Western India Golf Association (WIGA) Inter-Club Caddies Tournament was held at The Poona Club on April 27 after a break of two years because of the Covid pandemic. The tournament featured teams from Pune Club, Southern Star Golf Course (RSI), Willingdon Sports Club, US Club, and the Bombay Presidency Golf Club. Each team had four playing members and two reserves.
The competition format was a stableford, with all players playing of scratch. After an intense day of golf, Southern Star GC (RSI) emerged victorious with 324 points followed by The Poona Club with 334 points.
At the prize giving and lunch that followed the round, the winning team was presented with the magnificent WIGA Inter Club Caddies Tournament trophy and a cash award of Rs 48,000, while the Runner Up team from The Poona Club team won Rs. 24,000. The individual event was won by Ramesh Chemburkar, who shot 3-over to claim the first prize of Rs 8000. Persuram Kale of Southern Star Golf Course (RSI) came second and won Rs 4000.
Participants of Inter-Club Caddies Tournament
In addition, each of the 30 participants received an honorarium of Rs 2000 as well as Team T shirts and caps. Many members of the golfing fraternity also donated memorabilia, pitch markers, ball markers, caps and t shirts (pre-used albeit in good condition), which were given away to the large number of caddies who had assembled to cheer their respective teams.
With no institutional sponsors, the entire expenses for the tournament were borne by WIGA and organised by Tournament Director, Brig Dileep Gole and Col. Shridhar Hirlekar, both members of the Governing Council of WIGA.
The Southern Command graciously hosted outstation caddies and made excellent arrangements for their stay and local transport.
“It is envisaged that this tournament will be held annually in rotation at all the participating clubs and corporate sponsors will come forward to support and encourage the caddies in the years to come,” Cmde. Mike Bhada (Retd), the President of WIGA, said.
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Photo – LET Flickr