“Black Knight” is the world renowned Gary Player who is now firmly embedded in Indian history. He has built over 300 golf courses spanned over 35 countries. This most popular icon mesmerised golfing aficionados, last weekend with the preview of his new Gary Player 18 hole golf course in Gurgaon.
A “Miracle Course” amongst his best so far in- his words for this spectacular masterpiece. Indeed a true master’s work envisaged to attract world class players and what is being labelled to become India’s best golf tourist attraction. The USB for his enchanting piece of work are water conservation techniques and maintaining of natural eco systems.
At a time when golf courses are shutting down in USA and China, there is no doubt while a huge challenge is being faced world over to maintain high standards for golf courses, India has been cautious in over development of golf courses in the past two decades. This conservative stand can lead to a strategized way forward for improving quality of existing golf courses and infrastructure. Professional and elite amateur golfers need acumen and precision, the Gary Player course is laid at over 7000 yards and has been made keeping in mind the word “precision golf” –rather than length.
With multiple challenges that await players, it is quite apparent that the future generation of Indian golfers are blessed to hone their skills on such a fabulous design. The finishing holes have much challenge with the most difficult and longest finishing hole set at 613 yards from the Gold Championship tee.
The National Capital Region has fast become a wonderful golf destination with each of the premier golf course presenting high quality of service along with top class playing facilities. Golf in 2016 Olympics- can certainly kick off a new chapter in India in the coming years with a voice to host an Olympic after 2024.
This challenging masterpiece is set to become India’s most iconic golf course, as generations of young golfers will walk its fairways only to laud and pay their salaam to the iconic “Black Knight’
Champika Sayal is the Secretary General of Women’s Golf Association of India
