my4moles

When I first went to the golf course as a nine-year-old from the nearby Range Gowdanadoddi village, dreams were as scarce a commodity for us as money. However, there were kind-hearted souls at the golf club who embraced me. I started earning for my family and I started learning new skills. And I started dreaming - of representing my country one day. 

I have been extremely lucky. I have proudly worn the Indian blazer at many international championships. I have earned name and fame, all thanks to the golf course. 

While my status as a player kept the focus on me, I consider every person from the nearby villages, who transformed their lives because of their association with the golf course, as superstars who managed to overcome the odds. Some went on to become the best ball boys possible, some the best caddies, some are geniuses at course maintenance, and some are the best waiters at the clubhouse. 

I also have been a witness to several players starting their journey towards becoming champions here. India’s Tokyo heroes - Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar, Anirban Lahiri and Udayan Mane - have played numerous professional and amateur tournaments at our golf course. We really do not have many championship courses in the country, hence it becomes even more vital that the golf course remains. 

There have been hundreds of juniors who started aspiring to become a future Aditi and Anirban at the Eagleton driving range, taking part in various junior development programs. 

I am completely aware that the law needs to take its course, but surely, there must be a way our beloved golf course can be saved. 

Can I humbly request the government if they can somehow find a way to keep the golf course alive? Can we somehow maintain it as the championship-size 18-hole course that it is? One of the solutions could be that the government gives the course land on lease. 

If a solution like this is found, golf is not the only one to benefit. The jobs of nearly 120 caddies, about 50 ball boys, 70 odd F&B staff, and about 50 people in the course maintenance department can also be saved. The livelihood of nearly 300 people depends on this golf course staying alive. 

Growing up, when I’d break any toy, my mom bought for me with her hard-earned money, she would always say, “Breaking anything is easy. Try constructing it, and you will know the true value of it.” That’s the mantra that has stayed with me. And I hope it rings a bell with everyone involved in this sad situation and saves our beloved golf course.”