My friends Parag and Aditya started a new golf academy at Sindh Housing Society in Pune yesterday. This is a very exciting development for Pune residents for several reasons.
One of the major obstacles to golf becoming more popular in India is the availability of facilities to learn and pursue the game. As an example, Pune, a city of about 4 million people, has only 3 major golf courses accessible to the general public. Of these there is only one public course - the Poona Club Golf Course. There are no driving ranges or practice facilities outside these golf courses. In contrast, a sport like tennis has at least 25 academies around town. These tennis academies run regular programs for juniors.
The Golf Academy started by First Tee Golf (website http://www.firsttee.co.in) in Pune is a step in the right direction.
The academy has a pitching range of about 100 yards, bays with nets to practice full swing shots, a chipping and bunker practice area, and a practice putting green.
First Tee Golf plans to run regular programs at this facility which will enable many more people to learn and enjoy the game. I know several people living in the Aundh/Baner area who would be absolutely delighted to have this facility available - it will save them a lot of driving time.
For me, this is great. My son Siddharth and I can drive about 10 minutes to the First Tee academy and work on sharpening our game.
Good work Aditya and Parag!
Congratulations to first tee golf. I hope this endevour helps produce more youngsters to the game.Good luck to Sidharth and you and hope it improves your short game.As the famous adage goes"you drive for show and you putt for dough"
ReplyDeleteshumu