FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

Newsletter of the Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

100th usha all ladies CELEBRATED president’s at OUR CLUB & CAPTAIN’S plan for the future aditi ashok creates history Wg Cdr AK Singh, Director General IGU, Mr Vijay Goel, Minister Youth Affairs & Sports, Wg Cdr Satish Aparjit, President IGU and Mrs Pauline JM Singh, Chairperson IGU Ladies Section at the Prize Presentation of the 100th All India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship Photograph: Dharam Diwaker off with the captain’s message

Newsletter of the Delhi Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

Tee off with the Captain

Dear Members, I would like to thank all members for their overwhelming support which made it possible for me to serve as the Club Captain. It is my endeavour to improve the playing conditions on both the Lodhi and Peacock Courses through the year, by incorporating better maintenance practices. In order to achieve these high standards, we will be preparing a detailed Master Plan incorporating immediate, medium and long term objectives. Our immediate focus, after assuming office in October 2016, was the onerous task to prepare the for the , an event. Accordingly, a maintenance schedule was put in place to arrest the problem on the greens, and they started showing signs of recovery. Sodding of contaminated patches that had spread over the past many years, was undertaken on a war footing by using Tifdwarf grass from the nursery. The nursery is now being redeveloped to plant pure Tifdwarf grass and for modern grasses to be used in the future. Plastic sheet covers were procured for the first time to protect the greens from winter frost and the results have been remarkable. The fairway roping was removed from the course, as promised, to avoid inconvenience to members. It is heartening to see members showing restraint now when taking their carts on the fairways. We also ensure no major course maintenance work is undertaken on weekends and holidays, thereby facilitating unhindered play. The Panasonic Open India was conducted in December 2016 and the golf course from to greens and all associated administrative facilities for the Tournament were of a high standard and to the entire satisfaction of the Asian Tour Organizers. There was positive feedback and praise on the course playing conditions from the Asian Tour Director, Indian/international professionals and the Press Corps. The Panasonic Open was followed by the 100th USHA All India Ladies Amateur tournament which was a great success. All tees on the Lodhi and Peacock course were overseeded with winter Rye grass and the condition of these, throughout the winter were excellent, inspite of the severe frost witnessed in January. Landscaping of the area around the 10th Tee was undertaken to add colour to the otherwise bland

2 LTD. tee off with the captain’s message tee off with the captain’s message

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

surroundings, hence seasonal flowers were planted. The wall adjacent to Tee No. 6 was raised and the total area around the tee has been increased and flower beds created adjacent to the wall. Drainage during monsoons has been a major problem on the course and green side bunkers. Areas with water logging problems on the fairways have been mapped and rainwater harvesting pits will be constructed in the forest area to help in recharging the aquifers and maintaining a healthy water table. A few green side bunkers have been earmarked which will be drained by rainwater harvesting pit method. It has been proposed to upgrade the Practive by improving the bays, grassing the target area, improving lighting and creating all weather mobile shelters on wheels. Due to the heavy wear and tear on the Practice Chipping/Pitching area, we are remodeling the area with synthetic turf. We are encouraging members to participate in ‘Club Competitions’ and expect a high level of participation and enthusiasm from them. The Club has signed an Agreement with M/S SLW a sports management company who will sponsor four Members’ Tournaments, a Golf Carnival along with Captain’s Day and a Junior Inter Club golf tournament. Accordingly, the Annual Golf Calendar has been finalised and included in this issue, displayed on the Club’s website and Notice Boards. An Open House was conducted on 10th December 2016 based on a prior Agenda circulated making it meaningful with many good suggestions and feedback from the members. For improving/protecting the forest cover, discussions are on-going with the Delhi and Rajasthan State Governments for permission to translocate the sambhars. Once the sambhar move out, we will start afforestation by planting indigenous trees and shrubs. The Pub was taken over by the Club in November 2016 and after renovations, we started ‘In House’ catering which has been highly appreciated by members. The old Gents and Ladies washrooms at Tee No. 14 have been refurbished. A gazebo style sitting area has been created beside Tee No. 5 of the Peacock Course and work is under progress to upgrade the washroom and refreshment counter. The carpet and upholstery of the Gents Changing Room has been re-done giving an excellent ambience to the place. The winter chill is slowly thawing and I wish you all a happy spring ahead. Happy Golfing!

MAJ GEN KMS SHERGILL VSM (Retd)

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 3 KNOW YOUR GENERAL COMMITTEE 2016-2017

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

PRESIDENT

MR. SIDDHARTH SHRIRAM

CAPTAIN

MAJ. GEN. K.M.S. SHERGILL VSM (Retd)

GREENS FINANCE TOURNAMENTS F&B HOUSE

CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: MAJ. GEN. KMS MR. ASHWINI LUTHRA MR. AMIT LUTHRA MR. VIKRAM SETH MR. KARAN ATWAL SHERGILL VSM (Retd) CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. ROHIT SABHERWAL MR. VIKRAM SETHI MR. KARAN ATWAL MR. BRIJ ANAND MR. AMIT LUTHRA

MEMBERSHIP HRD SYSTEMS & DISCIPLINARY & HANDICAPPING CLUB CULTURE DEVELOPMENT CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: CHAIRMAN: MR. KRISHAN VARMA MR. ROHIT SABHERWAL MR. ANIL VIRMANI MR. SIDDHARTH SHRIRAM CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. VIKRAM SETH MR. KRISHAN VARMA MR. VIKRAM SETHI MAJ. GEN. KMS SHERGILL, VSM (Retd)

4 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. KNOW YOUR GENERAL COMMITTEE 2016-2017 SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

tournaments FOOD & CHAIRMAN: MR. AMIT LUTHRA CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. VIKRAM SETHI BEVERAGE

The Tournament Committee has decided to revive the old Club Trophies CHAIRMAN: and is of the opinion that one member tournament be held every year. Apart MR. VIKRAM SETH from these members tournaments, it has also been decided that three to CO-CHAIRMAN: four tournaments for Senior Members of the Club will also be held, on the MR. KARAN ATWAL Lodhi/Peacock Course. The past few months the emphasis was on professionalism and attention Delhi Golf Club Trophy to detail as well as presenting a This was held on November 11th & 12th 2016. The tournament was held variety of programmes for member’s in two categories i.e. 18 holes and 9 holes Stableford for Senior entertainment. Members over the age of 75 years. Some of these included: Winner Karam Rai Mehra (SD-1033) 45 points • After substantial repair and Runner Up Maj. D.N. Dass (D-138) 41 points renovation work, the Pub catering Senior Members over 75 years (9 holes) was taken over by the Club on 30th November 2016 for in house Winner Man Mohan Sethi (S-462) 23 points operation; this has been successful Runner Up B.K. Taimini (T-153) 20 points with increased footfall. Club Championship • Lawn lunches proved a great hit with a host of counters that This was played on Sunday, February 5 2017. Members, Spouses, included Mamagoto, Tonino’s, Dependents & Senior Dependents with a of 9 or lower were eligible The Kathi, Avadhi Kebabs, Moets to participate. There were 18 participants. Chettinad Cuisine, Wow Momos, Sushiya, Zoet’s Desserts plus the Winner Mr. Amit Luthra (L-085) 77 gross Club’s own counters. New green Runner Up Dr. Sanjiv Kalra (K-646) 80 gross table cloths were appreciated by Both winner and runner up will represent Delhi Golf Club for the Amateurs members. Trophy at Otivous Dunes in Lisbon. • There was an all time record Golf Calendar of takers for the scrumptious Christmas lunch. The platter Please refer to pages 6&7 for the finalized Golf Calendar for the year. was served with a complimentary glass of wine to ‘live’ Christmas carols. • Catering at three locations for hrd the fourth year in succession was CHAIRMAN: MR. ROHIT SABHERWAL provided at the Panasonic India CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. KRISHAN VARMA Open in December 2016. This was appreciated by sponsors, officials As part of its endeavour to ensure smooth operations and continuity in Club and Club members, alike. operations, the HRD Sub-Committee is in the process of recruiting and filling up • The New Year’s Eve Dinner & positions that are vacant or due to fall vacant in the near future. Appointments Dance attracted 900 members of a Deputy Secretary, Assistant Manager (Maintenance), Assistant Manager and guests, who thoroughly (Workshop), Executive Caddy Master and Executive Starter have been finalized. enjoyed the evenings fare and entertainment. These are scheduled to join shortly.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 5 SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

house systemS & handicapping CHAIRMAN: MR. KARAN ATWAL CHAIRMAN: MR. ANIL VIRMANI CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. BRIJ ANAND CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. VIKRAM SETHI

The House Committee reports Armed with the Mission Statement “Use of cutting edge technology for that the following works have been better governance”, the new Systems & Handicapping Committee has been successfully completed/are under busy in implementing priority projects, namely: progress during this period:- • Addition/alteration and rensovation • To improve productivity of F&B outlets, POS Systems have been installed of the Pub i.e. laying of hardwood, at the Pub, Annexe, Ice Cream Kiosk and Main Bar. wooden flooring, polishing of • The digitizing and microfilming of all Club documents and records has furniture and brass items, new wiring and lights, installation of been re-started. a new music system and other • The replacement of the old ERP System, introduced in 2006, is underway. miscellaneous works. Three vendors have been short-listed - IDS, SAP B1 and NAV 2016 - to • Eight new electric heaters have been increase the efficiency and generate different MIS reports as required. purchased for the Pub Terrace. • The implementation of Smart RFID and Palm & Facial Recognition Systems, • Renovation of 14th Tee Gents and Ladies toilets. to increase the efficiency of systems and prevent errors while debiting • Provision of angle frames with bills, is planned. wire meshing along the road from • A customized Mobile App, to facilitate the dissemination of notifications/ the Putting/Chipping Range to the circulars/monthly bills etc; speedy billing on the lawn; members feedback; PDR. pace of play and scoring information etc. is being designed. • Plastering of the existing wall from the Pump House near the 1st Tee • The process to start a centralized mail monitoring system has been to the PDR with red stone top and initiated. other miscellaneous works. • The up-gradation of Handicapping procedures and systems. • Construction of a covered seating area near the 12th Tee. • The possibility of payment of through PayTM is being looked into.

Members are being considered for upgradation with the following membership seniority CHAIRMAN: MR. KRISHAN VARMA ‘C’ to ‘M/W’ November 2016 and ‘M/W’ to ‘A’ May 1998 CO-CHAIRMAN: MR. VIKRAM SETH • Members are advised to submit their score cards so that the large • 26 new members have been inducted since number of vacancies in the ‘C’ to ‘M/W’ category may be filled (as per October 2016. the Club Articles) and vacancies opened for induction of new members. • 18 were upgraded from ‘C’ to ‘M/W’ and 12 were Fresh Applicants are being considered with the following upgraded from ‘M/W’ to ‘A’ in Indian Business seniority:- and Indian Service categories respectively. • Indian Business December 1987 • 12 Corporate nominees & 4 members • Indian Service August 2000 were inducted under Corporate Membership • Dependent Applied in Time October 1998 and Foreign Tenure (Special / NRI) category • Dependent Applied Late May 1990 respectively. The Sub Committee is deliberating ways to reduce time taken for • 17 members were taken under Government induction of new members, as well as upgradation, without inordinate Tenure category. increase in footfall. Suggestions on this from members are welcome.

6 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS CLUB NOTICES

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

SECRETARY’S VISITING HOURS IT IS PROPOSED THAT FOR GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS, CLUB MEMBERS AND VISITORS, ACCESS TO THE SECRETARY WILL BE AS FOLLOWS 12.00 NOON - 1.00 PM 3.00 - 4.00 PM ALL ARE REQUESTED TO KINDLY CONFORM TO THIS TIMING TO ENABLE THE SECRETARY TO CONDUCT HIS EXECUTIVE DUTIES EFFICIENTLY.

NO TIPPING PLEASE Patrons (members, guests, visitors) are advised that giving of tips (gratuities) to individual staff members is strictly forbidden. Should you wish to provide a gratuity for well performed services, kindly deposit your cash contributions in the specially provided and NO PHONE locked ‘GRATUITY BOXES’ which are located USAGE ALLOWED conveniently around typical service areas. INCORRECT USAGE WILL IMMEDIATELY ATTRACT FINES WHICH ESCALATE ON The funds so generated will be distributed, REPEAT OFFENCES.

twice a year, to non-executive staff that are on USAGE MEANS: Ring Tones / Speaking / Anything that the rolls of DGC. causes any noise.

Texting is permitted with THIS WAY, ALL THOSE WHO ARE INEVITABLY no sound effects.

INVOLVED IN THE DELIVERY OF SERVICES HINT : Before entering put all BUT WHOM THE GIVER MAY NOT phones on silent mode. INTERFACE WITH, WILL ALSO BENEFITFROM YOUR GENEROSITY. Offenders will be warned. Repeat offenders will incur severe penalties.

The Delhi Golf Club was the first Club in India chosen by Titleist for the launch of their latest 917 Drivers and Fairway Metals on Oct 21 & 22. The event was well attended by the members. The 917 Metals are the Standard For Complete Performance. They have been designed to deliver the most complete performance, even on off-center hits, along with the capability for adjustability so every player can get the most out of every shot.””

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 7 Annual GOLF CALENDAR 2017

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

S.N DATE/DAY NAME OF THE TOURNAMENT REMARKS JANUARY 2017 Ladies 1. Jan 17-18, Tue-Wed RANI LAXMI BAI SALVER & OISHI CUP (Tee Closure 0830 to 0930 hours) Ladies 2. Jan 25, Wed LADY IRWIN CUP (RD. 1) (Tee Closure 0830 to 0930 hours) FEBRUARY 2017 Ladies 3. Feb 1-2, Wed-Thu LILI KHANNA (RD. 1 & 2) (Tee Closure 0800 to 0900 hours) 4. Feb 5, Sun DGC CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Club Competition (H’cap 09 & below) Mr. Navneet Singh (40 golfers) 5. Feb 9, Thurs MEMBERS PRIVATE EVENT Tee Closure from 08.00 to 09.30 am 40 golfers. (Tee Closure 0800 to 0845 hours 6. Feb 12, Sun DGC-JAPANESE SOCIETY GOLF & 1015 to 1100 hours.) Ladies 7. Feb 15, Wed MONTHLY MEDAL (Tee Closure 08.00 to 08.30 am) 8. Feb 17, Fri CWT MEMBERS-CUM-CHARITY TOURNAMENT Members-cum-Charity Tournament MARCH 2017 Ladies 9. Mar 1, Wed CHAND UJJAL SINGH TROPHY (Tee closure 0800 to 0900 hours) Peacock Course 10. Mar 4, Sat HINDU COLLEGE ALUMNI (Tee Closure from 0800 to 1230 hours) Peacock Course 11. Mar 5, Sun INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION (Course closed 2.30 pm onwards) 12. Mar 6, Mon DGC LADIES INTER CLUB Ladies. Two tee start. Mr. Sanjay Sethi (20 golfers) 13. Mar 10, Fri MEMBERS PRIVATE EVENT (Tee closure 10.00 to 10.30 am) Amateur Tournament. No. of participants 60. 14. Mar 14-17, Mon-Fri NCR CUP Tee closure 0800 to 1130 hours) VICERENE SALVER (GOLD) GENESTA SALVER Ladies. Lodhi Course 15. Mar 22-23, Wed-Thurs (SILVER) BRONZE (Tee Closure 0800 to 0900 hours) 16. Mar 24-25, Fri-Sat LT. GOVERNOR’S SHIELD Members Tournament 9 Holes Members Tournament SENIORS TOURNAMENT (SQ.LDR. A.K. LUTHRA Lodhi & Peacock Course 17. Mar 27, Mon MEMORIAL) (Tee closure 0800 to 1000 hours both courses) 9 hole putting competition. APRIL 2017 GOLF CARNIVAL - CAPTAIN’S DAY WEEK Mon– Seniors Tee Closure 8000 to 1130 hours daily 18. Apr 4-8, Tue-Sat Wed – Ladies Fri-Sat : Members (including Sponsors slots) Sat – Juniors CAPTAIN’S DAY 19. Apr 8, Sat

20. Apr 11-14, Tue-Fri NORTHERN INDIA AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENT IGU

8 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. Annual GOLF CALENDAR 2017 Annual GOLF CALENDAR 2017

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

S.N DATE/DAY NAME OF THE TOURNAMENT REMARKS MAY 2017 21. May 10 – Jun 20 JUNIOR TRAINING PROGRAMME Peacock Course 22. May 13-14, Sat-Sun CAPTAIN DALJINDER SINGH TROPHY Members Club Competition JUNE 2017 23. June 2-3, Fri-Sat BILLOO SETHI MEMORIAL TROPHY Members Club Competition 24. Jun 27-30, Tue-Fri DGC JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENT Peacock Course JULY 2017 25. Jul 22-23, Sat-Sun PRESIDENT’S PRIZE Members Club Competition AUGUST 2017 26. Aug 18-19, Fri-Sat THE BACHELOR’S CUP Members Club Competition Lodhi Course 27. Aug 23-24, Thurs-Fri INTER CLUB JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (Tee closure 0800 to 1200 hours) Juniors. Peacock Course 28. Aug 25, Sat JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (Tee closure 0800 to 1230 hours) SEPTEMBER 2017 29. Sep 8-9, Fri-Sat DELHI FLOUR MILLS CUP Members Club Competition Charity Tournament 30. Sep 15, Fri RITINJALI 2ND CHANCE GOLF TOURNAMENT (Tee Closure 0800 to 1130 hours) Members. (9 Holes) Lodhi & Peacock Course 31. Sep 18, Mon JAGAN DHAMIJA SENIOR TOURNAMENT (Tee closure 0800 to 1000 hours both courses) 9 hole putting competition Juniors. Peacock Course 32. Sep 23, Sat JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (Tee closure 0800 to 1230 hours) OCTOBER 2017 Charity Tournament 33. Oct 6, Fri INDIAN CANCER SOCIETY (Tee Closure 0800 to 1130 hours) 34. Oct 14-15, Sat-Sun DCM CHALLENGE CUP Members Club Competition 35. Oct 30 -Nov 05, Mon-Sat PANASONIC OPEN INDIA Professional Tournament (Tentative) NOVEMBER 2017 36. Nov 17-18, Fri-Sat WILKINSON MEMORIAL CUP Members Club Competition DECEMBER 2017 37. Dec 15-16, Fri-Sat SWINTON CUP Members Club Competition Peacock Course 38. Dec 23, Sat JUNIOR TOURNAMENT (Tee closure 0800 to 1230 hour)

RED MEMBERS CLUB COMPETITIONS • SENIORS TOURNAMENT • MEMBERS GOLF CARNIVAL LIGHT YELLOW LADIES • JUNIORS PURPLE PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMENT LIGHT GREEN CHARITY • CORPORATE TOURNAMENT GREEN – ALUMNI FRIENDSHIP MATCH ORANGE AMATEUR TOURNAMENT TURQUOISE MEMBERS PRIVATE EVENT

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 9 LADIES SECTION

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

Children’s Christmas Party - December 19 The Annual Children’s Christmas Party was an overwhelming success attended by a total of 425 kids and adults. The Christmas theme décor and the hugely popular Santa Claus (none other than Ladies Committee Member Monica Tandon) were a great combination. The kids tried their hand at various games, with Crazy Putting winning the most popular vote from all the teenagers.

Staff Christmas Party - December 26 Following the trend set the previous year, a Christmas party for staff children managed by the Ladies Section; this time however in a welcome change it was sponsored by the Club. 116 staff children and their 52 parents had a marvelous time – there were games and a magic show.

Competition results Basant Celebrations October Medal A High Tea celebrating Basant was held at the Banquet Area. The décor was Winner Anita Malhotra resplendent in yellow tones of Basant. The excellent tea and snacks were 2nd Hanisha Daryani 3rd Eui Suk Yun appreciated by the 80 members present who had sportingly dressed in yellow. 9-Hole Medal Members enjoyed participating in the kite flying competition, played the flute, Winner Rama Khanna January Medal and tried their luck at the old-fashioned top spinning. The popular “Kite” inspired Winner Anuva Saurabh treasure hunt, was a huge success. Prizes were awarded to winners. 2nd Neelam P. Rudy 3rd Reetu S.K. Singh 9-Hole Medal Winner Vanita Malhotra February Medal Winner Anjali Nagpal 2nd Kanwal Varma 3rd Simran Bajaj 9-Hole Medal Winner Madhu R.K. Singh 9-Hole Medal Winner Rama Khanna Runner-Up Madhu R.K. Singh Madho Pershad Cup (Nett ) Winner Aashana Monga Runner-Up Anita Malhotra Miyako Cup (Eclectic Stableford) Winner Aashana Monga Rawlley Salver (Eclectic Stableford) Winner Eui Suk Yun GOLFING GIRL CHILD PROGRAMME Runner-Up Anita Malhotra The GGCP girls continue to blossom, performing well at the Maharaj Krishan North Jind Cup Match Play Winner Shiraz Singh Zone Juniors Golf Tournament in January 2017 at : Runner-Up Sonaal Chaudhari Category ‘A’: Ritika Raina - 2nd & Ishita Gupta - 3rd Rani Laxmi Trophy (Open Stroke Play) Winner Champika Sayal Category ‘B’: Riya Chaudhry & Insha Siddiqi Tied 3rd Oishi Cup (Open Stroke Play) Winner Neelam Sihota Nisha Kumari won the Bronze Division at the Noida Ladies Open Golf Championship. Runner-Up Hanisha Daryani Lili Fuentes (Stableford) COACHING CLINICS Winner Champika Sayal A series of one-hour coaching clinics were conducted by Jasjit Singh for golf skills Jogi Rao (Stableford) Winner Situ Puri development. These classes on Putting, Chipping and Bunker play were limited to Runner-Up Neelam Sihota a maximum of 6 participants per session. Lady Irwin Cup Winner Sita Nanda Runner-Up Sonaal Chaudhari The Ladies Section is on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/dgcladiessection • https://www.facebook.com/DGC- Ladies-GOLF2016-WGD-1701109606808048/ Do send us friend requests to dgcladiessection if you would like to join.

10 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. LADIES SECTION

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

7th DGC Ladies Open Golf Championship 2016 The 7th DGC Ladies Open Amateur Golf Championship, sponsored by USHA, and the concurrently run Delhi Ladies Golf Week were played over the Lodhi and Peacock Courses from 14th to 17th November 2016; a total of 102 women participated. Once again the youngsters proved they are all set to take over the golfing scene. Diksha Dagar played 3 brilliant rounds of 72, 76 & 74 to win at 6 over, while Sifat Sagoo was 4 strokes behind with rounds of 78, 74 & 74. Third placed Anika Varma too proved that she will shortly be a talent to reckon with. The prestigious Jahanara Challenge Trophy was won by young Yavnika Duhan who aced a hole-in-one at the 100th All India Ladies Championship, the following month. The Pre Championship Dinner was held at the Swimming Pool area which was a welcome change from the regular venue. The demonetization could do nothing to dampen the spirits of the upbeat ladies who jived and sang to scintillating numbers by the awesome duo of Sudha & Dudley. Aditi Ashok’s win of of the Hero Women’s 2016 earlier that day at the DLF Golf & Country Club was a cause for further celebration as the first Indian winner of the tournament. The Prize Distribution too, continued into another celebration, commemorating Champianship winner Diksha Dagar the memory of the first Lady Captain of a formalised Ladies Section, the Late Sita Rawlley. The sponsor and those present, along with Mrs. Rawlley’s daughter Radhika, were reminded of her gargantuan contribution to our Section, Club and golf.

Director General IGU with Arshia Mahant Shifat Sago with DGC Captain Yavnika Duhan with DGC Sponsor Ms Chhaya Shriram presents Maj Gen K M S Shergill President Mr Siddharth Shriram the prize to the championship winner Diksha Dagar

Lady Captain Ms Situ Nanda with DGC Captain Celebrating DGC’s Sita Raulley’s huge AEPTA team members, winners of the Anjali Nagpal with Swanter Ratia contribution to Indian women’s golf Team Event with Director General IGU

Lodhi Course Events Peacock Course Events Championship Jahanara Challenge Sita Rawlley Senior Salver Usha “Peacock” Prize WInner Diksha Dagar Trophy Winner Swatanter Ratia (Nett) Winner Anita Malhotra Winner Yavnika Duhan Runner up Sifat Sagoo Lodhi Super Senior Salver Talwar Trophy Runner-Up Purnisha Gangarappa Winner Bunty Khanna 3rd Anika Varma Winner Anita Malhotra 4th Arshia Mahant Saman Trophy Usha Junior Girls Trophy Winner Swatanter Ratia Winner Diksha Dagar DGCLS Super Senior Salver DLF Challenge Cup Runner-Up Shalini Sheoran Runner-Up Sifat Sagoo (Gross) Winner Aruna Sharma Winner Yavnika Duhan Modi Trophy Usha Junior Girls Trophy DGCLS Senior Trophy Usha Gold Trophy Winner Sunita Katariya Yavnika Duhan (Nett) Winner Anita Malhotra (Gross) Winner Diksha Dagar Sita Rawlley Senior Salver 3rd Day Stableford 3rd Day Stableford Runner-up Sifat Sagoo Winner Swatanter Ratia (Gross) Malini Joshi Winner Veera Singh

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 11 After a hiatus of several months the Editorial Team welcomes members back with this bumper issue that records, updates EDITOR’S PICK and informs of events past, present and future. We are also delighted to confirm the continued association of Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 our Club and Rolex! Issue No. 91

he President, Captain and So many of us have the expertise and desire to contribute. TGeneral Committee have This is not the time to hold back! There will be many pessimists been busy these past few months out there who feel, and rightly so, “Oh plans are made by brainstorming among themselves each successive GC, but NOTHING new ever happens nor as well as with club members at is any action taken”. Each voice matters. And the President an Open House on…. This was has his sleeves rolled up …… followed a few weeks later by an interactive meeting with members At the Open House almost the entire GC was present at the of the past ten GC’s. The President head, to receive inputs on a well prepared and circulated is looking at the prospects for the agenda as well as receive a barrage of questions, complaints DGC from four premises : and so forth. For the first time not just the Secretary (the Chief Executive), but also all Department Heads were on 1. Manage the short term while hand to hear members’ views. A feeling of involvement of preparing a positive vision for the all members as well as staff has been initiated. This is truly long term taking India, golf, DGC and present and future welcome. members into consideration. After all, there is life after the present generation. The President informed that as the 180 acres on which we stand is owned by the government which leases the land 2. Build a model that emphasizes that the General Committee to the DGC, it exercises its right over the Club and hence is NOT an executive body. It is supervisory and the Executive major developmental activity can take place only with solid is the Secretary who supervises skilled Heads of Department for the various executive function. 3. A clear adherence to DGC laid down rules and regulations and to make them more clear and contextual as good governance mandates. 4. While costs need to be controlled, broadly speaking, each area of activity should be surplus generating PITCH MARK The President, Siddharth Shriram is leading from the front REPAIR / and has put in many months of work to focus on the above. It was exciting to see the energy and enthusiasm with which BUNKER this aim is being pursued, and I share here with you all my RAKING / first hand interactions at the Open House and meetings with the President. The plans are multipronged – please do go DIVOT through this with a view to suggestions, ideas, positives & REPLACING negatives etc. It is of utmost importance that we members, ALL of us, whichever category of membership we hold be it A, M/W, C, Depandent, Corporate, Tenure, Foreign Category, IT IS THE PLAYERS DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY. IF CADDIES DO IT FOR THEM, PLAYERS MUST Every Single One of Us – take an interest. The Club belongs OBSERVE THE CADDY COMPLETING THE TASK to us and it is surely in one’s interest to see that we maintain PLAYERS MUST ALERT PLAYING PARTNERS and improve upon this gol(f)d mine that we are fortunate TO DO LIKEWISE enough to be bestowed with. 300 PITCH MARKS DAILY, ON EACH GREEN, CAN BE EFFECTIVELY ATTENDED TO BY YOUR CARE. We members must request via letters and emails to be kept Ask your Caddy to fix at least one plus one. Better Greens and Fairways reduce maintenance costs. updated regarding proceedings, and be present in large Better Greens and Fairways reduce closure periods before major tournaments. numbers to interact at subsequent Open Houses planned Better Greens and Fairways make it more fun for throughout the year – Mr Siddharth Shriram is committed to all players. Rate your caddy accordingly not keeping the Club membership in the dark. So lets be unanimous in our choice to be among the Top 100 Golf Clubs in the World.

12 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. EDITOR’S PICK THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

Lodhi COURSE UPGRADATION longside the GC’s aim to potentially redesign The 9th hole should finish at the annexe (as was the case and upgrade the Lodhi Course the inputs from decades ago) to allow for better viewing during tournaments. Aexperienced and expert players who have played at It is not intended to tamper with the basic hole-shaping. the top level in different parts of the world will be greatly However by the addition of more trees and other flora, the valued. basic shape can be enhanced to make the course more Set in sylvan and historic surroundings, this classical course challenging. was carved out of ancient forests about seven decades ago. Locating viewing platforms strategically at certain vantage This course, which is only 7100 yards long, was designed points. to challenge even the best players in the world owing to The fairways which have flattened out over time causing the forests that bound every hole and which used to easily most shots to be hit off flat surfaces, need to be contoured. catch wayward shots causing a loss of possibly a stroke and Presently the first and second cuts trap wayward shots certainly distance. The course was redesigned to include the saving them from ending in the jharies which would cause Peacock Course by the 5-time British Open champion Peter stroke and distance – to be reduced. Thomson in 1971, and while there have been some tinkering Provision for temporary greens. over the last 40 odd years, the basic design still subsists. Fairway bunkers to be modified to allow balls to roll in rather In the meantime with many significant and technological than be saved; bunker walls to have excellent grassing; improvements in equipment even the most famous courses excellent drainage. in the world needed to be “Tiger-Proofed”. Because of the Greenside bunkers: sand should not fly onto the greens. classical nature of the Lodhi Course (the Peacock Course Readily available sand to be used. underwent drastic changes a couple of years ago), such Green fringes should be raised at least slightly to challenge design changes have not been necessary: witness that the mishit rolling shots. World No 1 almost missed cut at the European Greens – these require intense changes to make them more Tour event in 2008. However if long hitting great players challenging, including green speeds of 11 to 13 on the stimp stay on the fairway, the present course can easily yield meter. Perhaps consider reducing the size of greens to birdies and eagles. It is the belief of the GC that in our case, tighten/lengthen the course and also reduce maintenance very seldom, the course needs to be ‘reset’ within its various expenses. constraints as follows. 1 Climate – Extremes from frosty winters to boiling Please note: If there are 300 people who play daily, it summers to heavy monsoons causing water-logging. translates into 300 landings per green, equaling 300 pitchmarks. Around 900 divots per day as well. And 2 Footfalls – probably the busiest course in the world with about 1800 sets of footprints in bunkers. If we members almost 100,000 rounds annually. do not shoulder our responsibility in repairing our 3 Demography – general aging population desiring greater damage where required there is no question of our course cart usage. conditions improving. Please do look at the extent of 4 Pace of Play – a 4 ¼ hour round can take 5 hours and the problem – only we the members can sort this out. more. All it takes is a few seconds after one’s shot. A mere few 5 Flora – Trees cannot be cut. Trees/bushes/flowering seconds. If we don’t respect our own course and Club, who plants local to Delhi only to be used. Palms, dracaenas else will? etc are totally alien to our environment. Members, it is the President’s personal request that you General Guidelines: write in with your complaints and suggestions. Barrage Though the course would be redesigned to create challenges your Committee! From the next issue we plan to start a at professional tournaments, it must be kept in mind that Letters to the Editor page and we hope to be inundated the average bogey golfer must have fun through his round. with your mails.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 13 THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91 government support. Given the context of India heading Furthermore, the GC consists of only 12 elected persons from towards becoming the 3rd largest economy in the world, and the ‘A’ category while the talent pool of the membership of that power is just 500 meters from the DGC, our Club must the Club extends to over 5000 members. With the intention keep pace with being on the high table as far as golf clubs go. of being able to tap into this talent pool, and the talent pool The Ministry of Tourism has taken a decision back in 2013, consists of highly skilled persons in many of the activities that golf was to be developed as a major lever for tourism. that the Cub performs, it is intended to alter the Bye Laws The Club cannot lose any more time to use the Ministry’s very of the Club to allow at least two non-committee members well laid out policy to its advantage. from any class of membership, provided they are skilled in relative function, to be on the Sub Committees that advise the CLUB HOUSE: DINING ROOM, BAR, RECEPTION and General Committee. CARD ROOM PROPER TRAINING OF STAFF The main entrance to the Club is to be redesigned as the Though last May a Staff Training Programme was conducted staircase is positively dangerous and the Reception facility is by the previous Committee, things have not improved despite inadequate. The floor and wall coverings of the Dining Room eight sessions. This needs some serious reviewing. The Club and Bar to be made sound absorbing to reduce noise. would be grateful for assistance in training of our F&B staff. The PUB & GYM PROPER TABULATION & TRAINING OF CADDIES Redoing of the Pub and the Gym with a view to extending the We understand that this Club management is seriously Pub to include the present Gym area. This is a very beautifully undertaking the review of caddy’s duties and structure situated part of the Club and should be used to its best including uniform. The present caddy shack is a shame for a advantage. Club of our stature. It is planned to install showers and look The Health Club and Gym to be upgraded and hopefully into a nutritious alternative to the present dhaba which serves shifted to the area presently being used for golf bag storage. below food; though the caddies are not our employees, we can still look after them better. They need coolers for BUILDING OF NEW FACILITIES the hot summer months, and a nice large TV. Members are Building of a Golf Academy adjacent to the PDR. encouraged to take a look and come back with suggestions, Redoing the Office premises. and perhaps even contribute to the upgrade in cash or kind. Building a comprehensive shed for capital equipment and The duties of the Starters, the Caddy Masters, Marshalls, workshop. Golf Operations Head etc are all being looked into for better overall performance. It would be a good idea if the Caddy PERFORMANCE OF CLUB EXECTUTIVES Masters are made responsible for the general presentation of The Committee has seriously considered the aspect that the a caddy – if he is not in a clean uniform, if he is not bathed and Secretary is to be the Chief Executive but it has so worked shaved, if he is not carrying a pitch mark repairer, he must not out that, the Secretary has each of the Committee members be allowed any duties that day. as his boss. The Secretary does not have the easy flexibility of his own time to manage the several executive functions. CULTURE DEVELOPMENT Therefore, the Committee has decided that for three hours a Its not possible for the Club to try to achieve a higher status day the Secretary will not be available to members, including without a review of its inherent culture. Atop the heap is the GC members, so that he may perform his duties, and a fact that our Club is primarily for the promotion of the game of GC member’s role is to be supervisory which is to set Key golf only. Everything else, F&B, Swimming Pool, Health Club, Result Areas (KRAs) for each function (which is certainly over Entertainment etc must come a distinct, far second. and above the natural jobs of those Heads of Departments RECIPROCITY: for which they are already paid the salary) and receive the Club members are travelling all over the world and equally supervisory reports against those KRAs and for the normal some of the world is travelling to India. It behooves a Club like functioning of the club. DGC to have reciprocity, which allows our members access Top class executives should be retained in the Club and to some of the best clubs in the world as they travel and suitable disciplinary action taken if they do not perform. The of course we must offer our Club to visitors from reciprocal cash draining Wage Agreement of 2015 is to be studied with clubs worldwide. About 100 clubs all over the world are being a view to seeing how this could be rescinded. targeted.

14 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN THE PRESIDENT’S PLAN

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

GRATUITY: name here, but for starters looking at the Honour Board of A draft order for “NO TIPPING” of staff was put out and several the Arjuna Awardees, it should be a matter of great pride comments have been received. These will now be considered to us members that each one of them is a member of the and a fiscal policy will be ordered which is likely to be a DGC! However this is not mentioned anywhere. Our guests of various suggestions but will definitely ban “bribing” to get should also have the opportunity to realize the worth of our extra special treatment on the golf course and in F&B. members. I truly feel that the history and pride of our Club will be lost if it is not immediately noted for posterity - the great golfers it has produced, both amateurs and professionals, DGC Could follow R&A’s “Ready Golf” not forgetting the women and even juniors. I am not sure how The stroke-play portion of this year’s British Amateur will many members are aware that three of our members hold the feature “ready golf” as the Royal and Ancient experiments record for five National titles each: PG ‘Billoo’ Sethi, AS Malik with ways to improve pace of play. and Vikramjit Singh. Or that three of the Arjuna Awardees are women members: Anjani Desai, Sita Rawlley and Nonita Lall Chief Executive Martin Slumbers said that after everyone Qureshi. Let our history not get buried along with the tombs. in the group has teed off, players will be encouraged to It is my suggestion that an important area such as the Main play when ready during the 36-hole qualifier, instead of Bar be dedicated to these stalwarts, with a photograph and following Rule 10-1b, which states the player farthest from elegant plaque of each one of them adorning the walls. The the hole plays first. Maurya Hotel opened a Golf Bar dedicated to three golfers, our members it happens, about 20 years ago – it is high time “Ready golf” is one of the recommendations in the R&A’s we create a Wall of DGC Golf Legends. pace of play manual. The GC could take a leaf out of the Ladies Section’s book - Slumbers said, “The more evidence that I’ve seen this year, they have been hosting inter-club competitions for 15 years. the more I’m going to continue talking about it because I The Club could host something similar inviting clubs from the think it is increasingly important to the development of the NCR and perhaps even include clubs from major metropolises. game.” The individual needs of different type of golfer, be they seniors, We Club members could embrace this as it is taking longer juniors, women, mid-amateurs, beginners etc. with the aim to and longer to finish a round. improve their golfing standard could be addressed via coaching clinics. The Club has amongest its members R&A referees who could conduct interactive rules clinics with members. Infected with this enthusiasm and the positive reaction at the Open House I felt this to be a good opportunity to share my Perhaps the Club could have a Staff Rating System which thoughts on the ‘Road to the 100 Best Clubs’. Kudos to the would require members’ participation, and declare a ‘Staff of Tournament Committee to have restarted Club Competitions the Month’, with a reasonable cash prize. This could encourage – there is a wealth of history stored in the silver trophies our staff to be more hands-on. which so far lay tarnishing in cabinets. Hopefully the Club At present we have a single across the board caddy fee for all Championship, the Walter Locke Trophy open matchplay, will caddies, regardless of their experience, knowledge and golfing be reinstated this year. The Club Championship for Ladies, the expertise - some of them even play the Indian pro tours. It is Vicerene Salver which is conducted by the Ladies Section has my suggestion that caddies ought to be graded, and their fees not been played for many years due to lack of entries. These should be respective to their expertise. Caddies could wear competitions must be given their due respect and honour name badges in different colours as per grading. We should boards suitably created. We have already lost so much history. restart member - assisted English - speaking and ettiquette There was a time a few decades ago when Club Competition classes for caddies to help boost their confidence. results were published in all the major newspapers. It would be an added asset to the Tournament Sub-Committee if some Members your communication will be published in Letters to of its members had been competitors of some stature in the the Editor column in future issues. We look forward to being past; non-GC members with similar credentials could to be overwhelmed by your inputs. incorporated to bring back a strong competitive culture in the Club. In a similar vein, I have felt for many years now that the Club should honour its Golfing Legends – there are too many to Soni M Singh, Editor

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 15 NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91 900 members celebrated new year’s eve at a fun-filled evening on the main lawn. Music was provided by DJ Nimit. Moet’s provided a delicious multi-cusine buffet. diageo & Pernod Ricard came on as drinks sponsors for the evening

16 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016 NEW YEAR’S EVE 2016

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 900 members celebrated new year’s eve at a fun-filled evening on the main lawn. Music was provided by DJ Nimit. Issue No. 91 Moet’s provided a delicious multi-cusine buffet. diageo & Pernod Ricard came on as drinks sponsors for the evening

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 17 ADITI ASHOK SCRIPTS HISTORY IN GOLF

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

ver the years a number of our top Oprofessionals have given us a sense of pride when the Indian flag has been spotted on the first page of the score sheet – , Jeev M Singh, , to name a few. Fact - they are all men! After a gap of many years a woman has risen to the top – In 1997 Simi Mehra set the pace for other golfers to follow in her footsteps. (She won 25 amateur tournaments in Asia before becoming India’s first player on the LPGA by qualifying for the tour in 1996. She won three times on the what is now the lower level Symetra Tour and posted two top-10 finished on the

LPGA Tour). Aditi’s first professional win: Hero Women’s Indian Open But Indian women’s professional golf was just not being able to climb into the upper country like India. “I’m so happy that I qualified to represent my country,” Ashok told berth. About 18 months ago 18-year old the news media early in the tournament. “We don’t have that many girls playing, and Aditi Ashok burst onto the international this will definitely boost the popularity of the game in India.” amateur, and then professional golf Aditi grew from strength to strength winning two events back scene with victory after astounding to back, it inspired Lisa D Mickey to now do a half page article exclusively on her in victory! She covered herself in glory by the New York Times on February 4th 2016. becoming one of the youngest amateurs to win the prestigious St Rules Trophy at “Indian Teenager Begins a Lonely Climb in Women’s Golf” St Andrews in June 2015 where she not Aditi Ashok is only 18 years old, but like any inspiring golfer she knows the story of only led from the start but also equaled Ok Hee Ku and Se Ri Park, who in the 1980’s and ‘90’s changed women’s golf by the women’s record of 8-under 67 for starting the South Korean wave. the New Course. Two months later she won the Ladies British Amateur Stroke Ashok may be that trailblazer for India. She was among the early leaders in the Play Golf Championship shooting a women’s tournament at the 2016 Rio Olympics and parlayed that experience into total of 11-under 285, also claiming the two victories in the fall on the European Tour, where she earned top rookie honours overall title The Nicholls Trophy as well for 2016 and finished second in earnings with seven top-10 finishes. the Dinwiddy Trophy given for the lowest Golf is an emerging sport somewhere behind cricket, soccer, field hockey and score by an U-18 player. , a nation of more than 1.3 billion people. But that may change soon And then came the Rio Olympics. In thanks to players like Ashok. August 2016 Lisa D Mickey of New York Anirban Lahiri is the only native of India with full status on the PGA Tour, Arjun TImes wrote in her article which featured Atwal remains the only Indian winner on the PGA Tour with his 2010 victory at the a photograph of Aditi, “Unknown to the . But no Indian has even won an LPGA Tour event. Ashok world was India’s Aditi Ashok, at 18 the at 100 is the highest-ranked Indian woman since Simi Mehra who played on the youngest player in the field; she was tour for several years beginning in 1997 and attained a career-high ranking of 17. tied after two rounds with a pair of 68’s. Only six Indian women are currently world ranked compared with 148 Indian men. Ashok ultimately finished 41st shooting 7-over par in the 72-hole event. But her Ashok found herself in the spotlight when she returned home as an Olympian last performance the first two days was a summer. Weeks later she won the LET event in India and added a second win the reminder that being represented in golf next week in . “There was clearly a huge sense of pride from the local crowd at the Rio Games was important for a when Aditi won the Hero Women’s Indian Open,” said Beth Cutler of the LET. She

18 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. ADITI ASHOK SCRIPTS HISTORY IN GOLF National golf scene

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

Aditi’s Journey diti embraced golf at 5 1/2 at Athe Bangalore Golf Club when she saw players hitting balls. She got onto the green with a , and stayed there for two hours. It wasn’t long before she started to play competitive golf sharpening her short game as she couldn’t outhit the boys. At age 13 she defeated Simi in a pro event in a . She knew then she wanted to be a professional. She has the unique distinction of being the only golfer to have played in the Asian Aditi’s on the 18th Tee at the Qatar Open Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games, called Ashok’s win a ‘game changer for female golfers” in India. Asian Games and the Olympics. She When asked what she thought it would take for her country to embrace golf, Ashok has represented India several times was pragmatic, “ It’s not just about golf, and it takes more than talent. It’s the as a junior and an amateur from culture. Its about sports in general”. 2010-2014. And won the Ladies All With significantly fewer women playing the game in India, it took more than a decade India Amateur Golf title three times. for the small pro Women’s Golf Association of India to grow to 30 members. Apart from her amateur and pro The number of Indian women playing pro golf still lags behind the number of female wins, she also aimed for and won the pros in many other Asian nations. At the 2016 Women’s Indian Open only 17 of the Rookie of the Year title. She said that 113 players were Indians. The growth of the WIO has become a visible milestone she was playing really well through since the first one started in 2007 by Champika Sayal (S-589), Simi Mehra and the year and was consistently in the others – 43 years after the men’s inaugural national championship. top-10, trying to give herself chances Aditi passed another milestone in December when she earned high conditional to be in winning positions. status at the LPGA’s annual qualifying tournament in Florida, which will allow her to She finished 2nd on the LET Order play in a number of tour events and give her the opportunity to move up should she of Merit, courtesy her two wins and 7 play well. “What she has achieved is truly remarkable,” said Mehra. top-10 finishes. “I think our country never thought that we could have contenders in golf,” Ashok said. “But if golfers from a small country like Korea have success, it can be done by In four months she climbed in the top players from India” Rolex Rankings for women from 441 to 99 – that shows consistency along with huge talent, focus and So is women’s really on the up? Amandeep Drall, Vani Kapoor and dedication. Neha Tripathi created history by qualifying for the LET 2017 with full card status in Category 8 after finishing T7, 18th and 25th respectively in the final stage She has gone into 2017 with a full of the Q-School in . Sharmila Nicollet and Saaniya Sharma bagged member Category 3A (LET Ranking conditional cards, making it five more women to compete internationally this Tournament Winners) with full status year. So yes, women are going places. But we need dozens if not 100’s more for the next two years. She also has players of this caliber. The combined efforts of the Government and the IGU, her conditional LPGA Tour card. Now along with committed sponsors is the call of the day. its time for the majors…..

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 19 CLUB MATTERS

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

100TH USHA ALL INDIA LADIES AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

100th

USHA All India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship 2016 The International Teams with their Captains and DGC’s President Siddharth Shriram

The chose our Club as the host venue of the milestone 100th USHA All India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship from 12th-18th December 2016. A glittering affair from start to finish, both on and off the course, the top players in the country took on the best from as far across the globe as Ireland and all the way to , Resplendent in Red; Past Chairpersons & Convenors (l to r) Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Anuva Saurabh, Anupama Singh, Champika Sayal, Soni M Singh, Chairperson Pauline lights the ceremonial lamp Singapore, and . Chander Talwar, Pauline JM Singh, Manisha Jaitha and with Past Champions Simi Mehra and Shiraz Singh Sonia Malhotra Accompanied by Team Captains and delegates, invitees and dignitaries, the event showcased India, Indian women’s golf and our Club in grand style. Usha International, no stranger to Delhi Golf Club’s junior and ladies golf, provided the essential support and sponsorship, that made it all possible. The Opening Ceremony set the bar for the ‘off- course’ activities as the Billoo Sethi did for the ‘on-course’ prowess of the field. Several past convenors and champions were in attendance, including Simi Mehra who became the first Indian to play on the LPGA and Nonita L. Qureshi (L-089) who won the Championship an incredible 6 times! The matchplay Championship’s pre- qualifier, The Billoo Sethi Challenge Trophy, provided the keenly contested Prize winners of the Billoo Sethi Challange Trophy with Mrs Prem “Billoo” Sethi and some of his family members

20 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. CLUB MATTERS IGU TOURNAMENT

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

stroke play event the opportunity for 100TH USHA ALL INDIA LADIES AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP several Indians to cause a flurry of excitement. Ananya Barthakur (ST-984), a member of DGC’s Talent Promotion Programme led on Day 1 with a 73 and, dependent member Seher Atwal (A-144) playing fabulous golf, despite stepping straight off a plane from the US, lost by a single shot to Malaysia’s Nur Durriah Damien. The family of Maj. P.G. ‘Billoo’ Mr. Vijay Goel, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Saina Saina with Sifat Sagoo (left) and Seher Atwal Sethi, headed by wife Prem hosted all Nehwal with the champion and runner-up the players for the two days and were present in force to hand over the prizes on the eve of the All India Championship. Champika Sayal (S-589) won the 2-Day Putter of the Tournament Prize. The Agarwal International Team event, Mr. Vijay Goel, (right) with DGC also played concurrently with the Presient and DGC Captain with Champika Pauline JM Singh acknowledges Billoo Sethi had a field of nine teams Sayal, Putter of the Tournament Nonita L Qureshi’s golfing career Krishan Varma participating. Malaysia “A” were the winners and Singapore just nosed out on count back India “B”, comprising Seher Atwal and Sifat Sagoo, to claim second spot. The morning of the Championship dawned cold and foggy but did nothing to dampen the 32 qualifiers’ spirits. Over the next three days surprises and The semi-finalists with the IGULC Chairperson Past Champion Vandana Agarwal & DGC Captain Maj Gen expectations kept the suspense aloft with Pauline JM Singh KMS Shergill do the honours for the Ceremonial Tee off many matches going beyond 18 holes. The 36-hole final saw India’s No. 1 Diksha Dagar, take on Nur Durriah Damien; playing hot golf, Nur’s experience and 355 WAGR ranking paved the way to an easy victory. However, none of this took away from the creditable performance of the young runner-up who thoroughly enjoyed the Prize Distribution sitting next to Badminton Olympian and Medalist Saina Nehwal. Minister of Sport & Youth Sponsor Krishna Shriram with Mehar Atwal, Seher Atwal, Simi Olympian Saina Nehwal presents youngster Mehra and Past Champion Seema Sobti Vanshika Batra with her ‘Badminton’ prize Affairs Shri Vijay Goel graciously gave away the Championship prizes after promising, in his address, to support the game and worthy as well as encourage and assist small towns, across the country, to promote golf along with a plethora of other sports in compact, multi-use facility programmes. He applauded the international participation and spoke of the Government’s wish ’s Clinic posed a challenge to Nonita L Qureshi conducting a special to promote ‘golf tourism’. For this he one of the international players Golf Clinic for all participants sought the assistance of the IGU.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 21 PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMENT

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91 panasonic open

On December 4th local veteran completed a wire-to-wire victory at the weather-shortened Panasonic Open India played over the Lodhi Course, to claim his first Asian Tour title by a single shot on Sunday. Kumar, who had a two-shot advantage heading into the third and final round, closed with a two-under-par 70 for a winning total of 10-under, 206 at the US $400,000 Asian Tour event, which was reduced to 54 holes, due to fog disruptions. Kumar’s victory at 51 years and 126 days made him the oldest winner on the Asian Tour. Indian duo Jyoti Randhawa and closed with matching 68’s to share second place. The ever popular of Sri Lanka beamed his way through his round of 70, for his third consecutive top-five finish at the Panasonic Open India. He is the only non-Indian to finish inside the top-10 at this Asian Tour event. Mukesh, who has 123 titles on the domestic circuit was ecstatic over his career’s biggest win after 32 years as a professional. Jyoti, bidding for a 9th Asian Tour win and a fifth at the DGC, made a charge to catch Mukesh with his fourth birdie of the day on the 15th hole. Mukesh kept his cool by holing a 20-footer for his birdie and a 1 shot lead again, which he maintained with steady pars on the last three holes. Sung Lee of Korea provided some excitement in the second round when he struck the second hole-in-one of his career. His eight-iron from 171 yards on the par-three 5th hole earned him a BMW. It is a matter of pride for the DGC to see three of their past Talent Promotion Programme ‘caddy boys’ in the top-10: youngsters Rashid Khan at T2, followed by Honey Baisoya at 5th position and Kapil Kumar at T7. All of Mukesh Kumar receives the winner’s trophy them were granted playing rights by our Club and have participated in the from the Club President Mr. Siddharth Shriram hugely successful JTP Coaching Camps summer after summer.

The 1st India-South Africa Friendship Cup was flagged off a few days prior to the 116th Men’s All India Amateur Golf Championship at the RCGC in Kolkata, The teams comprised of four players each in the Senior and Mid Amateur Categories. The tournament was played in both match play and stroke play formats, with South Africa winning the former and India coming our victorious in the strokeplay matches. Amit Luthra (L-085) was a part of the Indian Seniors team. This is an IGU initiation Indian Team in Red (L-R): Amit Luthra, Anil Jule, Sanjay Kolhatkar, Vijay Kumar Bhadana, Aditya Khaitan, Kailash Dhiwar, Simarjeet Singh, with the South Africa Golf Federation and it will be an annual feature with H S Kang, Lakshman Singh both countries hosting the event alternate years. The sponsors for this South African Team in Green (L-R): David Younge, Stefan Bloemaaert, series are IGU Council Member Dilip Thomas and Johan Rupert. Now Frances Le Roux, Steven Williams, Shaun Stapleton, Jock Wellington, Gerlou Roux, Josef Fourie, Morgan Phillips. that the government is planning to support the sport more aggressively it is hoped that more such tournaments will be initiated.

22 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMENT 4TH CWT TOURNAMENT

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91 4th Caddies Welfare Trust (CWT) Charity Members Tournament

RESULTS

CWT OVERALL Gross Winner Shubham Jaglan Gross 73 Runner-Up Rohan Sood (SD-1240) Gross 74

Bharat ram prize overall nett Winner Kuldip Sarna (S-493) 69 Runner-Up Ashvin Chadha (SD-550) 71 Overall Gross Winner Overall Gross Runner-Up “A” Category Winner Ashvin 9 HoleS 12 Year old Shubham Jaglan Rohan Sood Chadha & daughter with Kartik Winner RM Sodhi (S-376) 18 Pts C/Back Bharat Ram Runner-Up S Batra 18 Pts

“A” CATEGORY (H’cap 0 to 15) Winner Ashvin Chadha (SD-550) 35 Pts Runner-Up Shivinder Singh (S-257) 34 Pts C/Back

“B” CATEGORY (H’cap 16 to 24) “B” Category Runner-Up GPS “A” Category Runner-Up 9 Hole Winner RM Sodhi Bharat Ram Prize Nett Winner Kuldip Sarna (S-493) 37 Pts Paintal with Kartik Bharat Ram Shivinder Singh with receives his prize from Winner Kuldip Sarna with Runner-Up GPS Paintal (P-209) 34 Pts C/Back Kartik Bharat Ram Kartik Bharat Ram Ashish Bharat Ram

DGC hosted the 4th CWT Charity Members Golf Tournament on February 17th 2017. A whopping 300 plus members participated in the annual fund raising initiative of the Caddies Welfare Trust aimed at providing sustainable financial support to help improve the lives of the caddies. Almost 50 sponsors stepped up to support the cause and members were sent home laden with goodies, and lucky draw prizes generously donated. Youngest participant, 12-year old Shubam Jaglan emerged Overall Gross Winner with a score of 73 from Rohan Sood (SD- 1240) who grossed a 74! The CWT, in conjunction with their principal donor SRF Welfare Trust, newly instituted a Bharat Ram Prize for the Overall Nett Winner, which was won by Kuldip Sarna (S-493), with Shivinder Singh (S-257) as Runner-Up. A first ever, the caddy of the main winners each received a Rs. 6000/- voucher, courtesy Zaverchand Sports, for a pair of golf shoes. The three ‘best turned out’ caddies were awarded a Firefox Bike and mobile phones.

Col. PP Rewari receives his prize Delighted Lucky Draw winners Mr. Dushyant Dave hands over the Rajan Kapoor hands over Lucky Draw prizes to from Zahaan Qureshi prizes to the Best Turned Out caddies Rahul Raina & Capt. Ravinder K. Mehta

Secretary Rajiv Hora wins top Lucky Draw The caddies of winners were presented Vinod Tandon collects his Lucky Draw prize prize from Shubham Jaglan generous vouchers courtesy Titleist from Prabhash Jain

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 23 CLUB MATTERS

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91 Ek Mulaqaat Club members were in for a treat on February 18 when they watched two of India’s top actors perform on the Main Lawn. Ek Mulaqaat by Playwright and Director Saif Hyder Hasan saw a minimal set depicting the terrace of poetess Amrita Pritam’s Nizamuddin residence on a wintry evening. Sahir Ludhianvi who was romanticised as the love of her life, visits her, and their unbridled stream of couplets in both Urdu and Punjabi filled the audience with sadness for a love unrealized. Deepti Naval and Shekhar Suman, who were brilliant in this 66th showing of the play, were awestruck themselves at performing for the first time outdoors, that too on a wintry evening which created the right mood. As the play ended on a sad note; and the haunting calls of a muster of peacocks at the swimming pool area started to resonate on cue it would seem, a lament for her loss. The rapt attention of the audience and minimal movement was a welcome addition.

Parul, Shekhar Suman, Saif Hyder Hasan and Deepti Naval engaging with the audience Shekhar Suman and Deepti Naval The F&B Committee did a credivable job of sustenance by way of regular food stalls and a well stocked bar at normal rates for the 450 members who attended.

With the recently held India-Africa Forum Summit seeing the CLUB STAFF largest turnout of African leaders in India, I was reminded of an incident from the early 1980’s. One too has had a few RETIREd encounters of the Africa kind. On the sidelines of a Rajiv Gandhi Foundation seminar, I had asked Zambia’s former President Kenneth Kaunda if he would like a round of golf. A bit taken aback, coming as it did from an absolute ‘nobody’, he replied that there was no time to spare. His love for the game must have got the better of him, however, because then his Aide-de-Camp came to me saying that a 9-hole game could be possible.

ML Gupta wtih Rajeev Vohra, Jeevan Singh Harphool So, I moved fast and arranged a foursome with the former Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Governor Gary Saxena and Dorothy Zender, the Swiss Ambassador’s wife. Our Club rose to Reaching the Staff retirement age of 58, three employees the occasion, found a size 11 pair of shoes for ‘Kenneth of the Club left our employ in the last few months. ML Sir’, arranged a VIP tee off and stylish tea to follow, after the Gupta, Clerk in the Accounts Department (after 23 game. Our guest was charm personified and was ‘tall’ in every sense of the word, telling us how he had introduced years) and Harphool, Senior Waiter (after 39 years) were peacocks on the golf course in Lusaka. A photographer bid fond farewells at special parties held for them in the also materialized from somewhere and Kaunda and his Dining Room. Both were presented with silver salvers caddy – dhoti-clad Deshram, in his Gandhi topi, were seen to honour their respective tenures at the Club. Jeevan on the Sports page in next morning’s Statesman. In the Singh, Barman, retiring after 38 years, received his caddies’ circle, Deshram was referred to as ‘Member’, since farewell salver in the Secretary’s office. he had once contested the UP elections! Commodore Mukund B Kunte AVSM (K-209 )

24 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. CLUB MATTERS MEMBERS MATTER

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

LODHI COURSE: The following each have won a memento HOLE-IN-ONE and a bottle of Ballantine’s whisky (for those 25years and Congratulations on the Aces! above) to be consumed at the Club.

Date Name M’ship No Hole Date Name M’ship No Hole 30.09.16 Abhimanyu Khanna K-649 17 18.11.16 Neel Tandon T-171 5 07.10.16 Vinay Khera K-410 17 20.11.16 Rohit Mehra M-570 17 07.10.16 Capt Vinod K Chawla C-308 17 08.12.16 Nipender Kochhar K-622 12 08.10.16 Sanjay Narayen N-152 17 08.12.16 Dr Sanjiv Kalra K-646 7 08.10.16 Navjeet Singh Sobti CPA-127 17 13.12.16 Dipak Raj Sood Cpc-81 17 08.10.16 Masakazu Sakakida SP-1121 17 21.12.16 Vikramjit Singh V-040 5 09.10.16 Vikram Tuli SP-1110 12 31.12.16 Rohit Mehra M-570 7 13.10.16 Govind S Mann M-441 12 01.01.17 Prashant Khosla K-709 17 23.10.16 Harinder S Sikka Cpa-142 17 03.01.17 Satya Pal Tohani Sp-1098 17 25.10.16 Deepak Shourie Cpb-168 17 20.01.17 Mohd Shafi Goroo G-286 12 27.10.16 Maj Gen M S Ahluwalia A-116 17 27.01.17 Mohit Goyal Cpb-138 5 01.11.16 Rajan Kapoor Cpa-160 12 01.02.17 Brig B Virmani V-064 12 06.11.16 Sumeer Bedi B-584 5 02.02.17 Col HN Singh S-250 17 06.11.16 Ashish Kumar Tc-441 12 09.02.17 CS Pantal P-239 7 11.11.16 Rohit Talwar T-138 12 28.12.16 Aziz Malhotra M-552 7 PEACOCK COURSE: The following each have won a memento Date Name M’ship No Hole Date Name M’ship No Hole 13.10.16 Romesh C Gupta SP-1135 3 23.11.16 Bhim Sain Bassi B-586 5 15.10.16 Angad Veer Singh Dugal K-677D 6 10.01.17 Ram Nath Batta SD-1430 5 03.02.17 Deepak Chopra C-222 1 05.11.16 Surveer Singh S-812D 3 29.01.17 Jaiveer S Atwal SD-1494 7 15.11.16 Deepak Dhar Gupta G-297 6 11.02.17 Rita Kocchar K-622 1

humour A US citizen vacationing I was playing with this 85- in Ireland decided to year old man recently on a play a round of golf course I was unfamiliar with. and is paired with On the 3rd hole, I asked three local gents. him whats the best part of He takes a few practice swings, steps up the fairway to be on, and he to the first tee and proceeds to hook the replied, “The top”. ball out of bounds. He shakes his head, reaches in his pocket and re-tees another ball. He tells his playing partners that he is taking a Mulligan and pounds one 280 yards down the centre of the fairway. With a big smile he asks the others, “In the US we call that a Mulligan; was wondering what you call it here in Ireland.” After a moment of silence one of the locals replies, “Hitting three.”

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 25

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

For all categories of club and weekend golfers CONNECT YOUR BODY AND ARMS TO IMPROVE YOUR STRIKE By Vikram Sethi – DGC golf professional

Most club and weekend golfers I teach come with a common issue which plagues their ball striking no end. INCONSISTENCY seems to be the bane of most golfers. Though there are many aspects to inconsistent strikes, the two most glaring mistakes I see are OFF BALANCE swings, and what we professionals term in golf as DISSCONNECTION. This relates to an unsynchronized action of the arms Correct Recommended takeaway Good elbow/s position at relative to the upper body through the address position elbow position the backswing swing.

A series of three articles related to three simple fundamentals that I propose to pen down for our readers WILL help you improve your ball striking, lower your scores, and help you enjoy the game more than ever.

In this issue we have a few visuals of Do’s and Don’ts relating to CONNECTION which you might try to emulate at your next practice session. Assuredly, if you Perfect elbows Great elbow extension Good balanced finish with through impact can identify these positions of Do’s vs elbows pointing to the ground the Don’t’s, you will have success to a great extent. Alternately, if you are maintaining the Do’s already then you are at a considerably higher level of expertise than the high handicapper and would be an above average ball striker I can guarantee.

Seek help from your golf professional to assist you through the process. We have amongst the best in the country at our club. Bad mid backswing position Elbows positions which are not Elbows too far apart at finish with elbows flaring away from recommended through impact Enjoy your game! each other

26 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. golf instruction across the globe

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 The hosttest players in the world - Hideki Matsuyama and Issue No. 91 who already have 3 wins each this season.

Justin Thomas rallied to successfully defend his title on October 23rd at the CIMB Classic at the TCP Golf Course in KL. He started the round 4 shots behind Anirban Lahiri who made a quadruple bogey on the 3rd but made three back to back birdies to finish at -23.

Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese golfing sensationHideki Asian-born player to win a World Golf Matsuyama won his fourth PGA Tour Championships event at the 2016 win, ranking the most among Japanese WGC-HSBC Champions at Sheshan born players when he outlasted Webb International golf course. His total of Simpson in a 4-hole playoff on February 23-under 265 gave him a clear seven shot 5th at the 2017 Waste Management victory. Phoenix Open. Hideki continues to push his way up the list into the elite players Justin Thomas claimed his second category with his back to back win of this victory of the season as he came through tournament at TPC Scottsdale, Arizona.

with big shots when he needed them to One of the most exciting events, the AT win the first PGA event in 2017, theSBS &T Pebble Beach Pro-Am pairs top Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, professionals with Hollywood celebrities, Hawaii on January 9th. Late in the round renowned musicians and captains of saw some drama as a 5-shot lead industry. Jordan Spieth who was on dwindled to 1, but the 23-year old made a strong birdie-birdie finished to win with a score of 22-under par.

The 23-year old Justin Thomas continued his winning ways by winning the 2017 Sony Open at Honolulu, Hawaii on January 16th. He set a new 72-hole aggregate scoring record with a total of 27-under par 253, passing Tommy Armour III”s 2003 mark at the Texas Open. Justin won with a clear 7-stroke lead. fire all week finished at 19-under par to The week started with hype and record his first win of the season. This win anticipation for ’ return to the made Spetih the only player to capture PGA Tour, after having been deprived of five PGA Tour titles before the age of 24. him for 522 days; the excitement of seeing him make his comeback was huge, but he Rickie Fowler missed cut at Torrey’s South Course which tasted his first he’s dominated and won eight times, as victory in 12 did his playing partners World No 1 Justin months at the Day and Reigning Player of the Year Justin Honda Classic Day. The Farmers Insurance Open was at PGA National, won in a dramatic fashion by 22-year old Spanish star Jon Rahm who made his Florida on second eagle of the day on the last hole giving him a 65 and a clear 3-shot lead. He February 26th. It is the player to watch out for! wasn’t vintage- type golf from Overnight leader by 7 strokes Hideki Rickie but good enough to give the Tour Matsuyama fought off a charging Henrik another big name winner to start 2017. Stenson to win Tiger Woods’ 18th Hero World Despite coming into the last round with Challenge in December by 2 strokes. a 4-shot lead, it became a day of saves and scrambles for the pro.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 27 modernising the

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

There are few sports as steeped in tradition Neha Majithia (M-317) R&A Referee as golf. Its laws date back to 1744, and although the game has evolved its rules remain notoriously difficult to navigate. For years the governing bodies have been attempting to take steps with regard to the rules to make the game quicker, easier to comprehend and to eliminate the chances of being penalized unnecessarily. The bigger goal being to grow the game by making it more popular , accessible and fun. Even experienced professionals sometimes have a tough time fathoming the rules. It become intimidating for golfers if the rules are beyond comprehension. It is said that the Rules and Decisions of golf have been written similar to the way books on law are written! Therefore, the R&A and USGA formed a joint committee to relook at the Rules of Golf. After much deliberation spanning over five years, in what is the most significant modernization in generations, the USGA and R&A unveiled on 1st March, 30 proposed changes designed to make more consistent, fair and straightforward rules that are easier to understand and apply, and make the game quicker to play. The changes cover a wide range of issues – from grounding a club in a or bunker , to putting with the flagstick in , to repairing damage on greens including spike marks. Even the style in which the rule book is written is being revised to make it easier to understand for all types of golfers with emphasis on a lot of explanations via illustrations and diagrams instead of just heavy text. The governing bodies usually revise the rules One of the most radical proposals is that a player will be allowed to ground his club every four years, but this new edition will be everywhere except a bunker. By allowing a player to touch the ground with his club and move implemented a year earlier, on Jan. 1, 2019. loose impediments in the area, Proposed Rule 17 would eliminate the unintentional Determining whether a player caused his infraction that could be detected only after television replay, such as when Carl Pettersson, ball to move had been a hot topic before standing in a lateral water hazard, brushed a leaf with his backswing at the 2012 PGA last year’s U.S. Open, but the issue received Championship. The next rulebook will feature the term “penalty area,” not “hazard.” even more scrutiny when the USGA ruled The rule change that could most significantly affect week-to-week competition is that players that was “more likely than now will be allowed to repair any damage on the greens, including spike marks. Previously, not,” or 51 percent certain, to have caused players were allowed to fix only ball marks in their lines. In 2013,European Tour player his ball to move slightly on Oakmont’s was embroiled in a cheating scandal after he tapped down a spike mark super-fast greens. The ensuing chaos (and during an event. He claimed that he wasn’t trying to gain a competitive advantage, but he still one-shot penalty after the round) didn’t was placed on probation. Now, under Rule 13.1b(1), players could try to create as smooth a affect the outcome, but afterward players surface as possible to roll their putts. and fans blasted the USGA for issuing There will also be a new reasonable judgment standard, Rule 1.3a(2), in regard to estimating what was perceived as an unfair ruling. a line, drop or distance. With the new rule, a player would need only to do “all that could Now, under proposed Rule 9.2, there is a reasonably be expected under the circumstances” to accurately measure the spot. A new standard: A player will be penalized recent example: Tiger Woods’ controversial drop en route to a victory at the 2013 Players only when it is known, or virtually certain (at Championship. After finding the water off the 14th tee, Woods discussed where his ball least 95 percent), that he caused the ball to crossed the hazard with his fellow playing competitor, Casey Wittenberg, and his . move, which should eliminate many of the The group agreed that the ball hooked into the water farther down the fairway, even though questionable calls. Once cleared, a player video replays suggested it was closer to the tee box. Woods was not penalized, but the PGA will be allowed to replace the ball on its Tour felt compelled to issue a statement about the incident. Under the new rule, which relies estimated original spot. on the integrity of the player, Woods would still be absolved.

28 DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. modernising the rules of golf ROLEX & RULES

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

Some of the other proposed changes: recommending an alternative form of • Instead of dropping a ball at shoulder height, players can release the ball at any height stroke play with a double-par maximum above one inch. The area in which players are allowed relief is also expanded; rather score following which you pick up the than one or two club-lengths, there is now a defined relief area of 20 inches (cart ball. paths, ground under repair, etc.) to 80 inches (unplayable lie, penalty area drops). If all of the proposals are approved, the total • Caddies cannot stand behind a player and help with alignment while the player takes a number of rules would be reduced from 34 stance – a move that is most common in the LPGA, including with world No. 1 Lydia to 24. Ko. The R&A and USGA have a lot of material • A player won’t be penalized if his ball accidently deflects off the player, caddy or equipment. available on their websites explaining the modernisation of the rules including a survey • The search time for lost balls is three minutes, not five. to collect feedback from Golfers around the • Players can move loose impediments in a bunker. world. Feedback will be accepted for the • Damaged clubs can be used in competition, even if the equipment was damaged in a next six months following which the new Rule fit of rage. Previously, only those clubs that were damaged in the “normal course of book with the changes will be printed. play” could still be used. So go ahead and give your feedback • Players are entitled to free relief from an embedded lie anywhere ( except for the and comment on how you feel about the bunker),unless limited to the fairway by a local rule. changes. Are you on the side that is excited • Rangefinders can be used to measure distances, except when prohibited by a local and looking forward to adapting these new rule. modern and practical changes ? Or are you • Committees are encouraged to mark more hazards with red stakes, not yellow, to allow saddened that an era of golf as we know it, lateral relief. with its wonderful peculiarities and curious • In an attempt to improve pace of play at the recreational level, the governing bodies traditions is fading away? are encouraging ready golf; allowing putts to be holed with the flagstick in; and change in rules In a rare, but not unprecedented move, the USGA and R&A announced the addition of a local rule to the 2016-2019 edition of the Rules of Golf. The local rule, effective January 1st, 2017, gives courses, golf organizations, and rules committees the option to remove the penalty for a player accidentally moving his ball or marker on the putting green. However, the movement of the ball MUST be on the putting green and accidental. Normally, a player would face a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2 or Rule 20-1. Now, a player may replace his/her mark or ball to its original position without penalty. This local rule also includes provisions for replacing the ball without penalty if the player’s caddie, equipment, or opponent accidentally moves the ball. “Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows: When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1. This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental. Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced.” This local rule was the result of the USGA’s policy of reviewing and simplifying the Rules of Golf while also treating the putting green differently from different parts of the course. The USGA added this local rule to address a number of incidents where players were penalized for their ball moving on the green, most notably Dustin Johnson at the 2016 U.S. Open. Mike Davis said that the USGA will adopt this rule at all of its tournaments starting January 1st, 2017, and that the rule will most likely be implemented in most major golf tournaments including PGA Tour and LPGA Tour events. As always, there are a few caveats to this rule. Firstly, the ball must be moved accidentally and must not be moved via any intentional action on behalf of the player, the player’s caddie, or the player’s opponent. Also, players may face a two-stroke penalty for playing from the wrong place if they forget to replace their ball. Furthermore, if the ball moves because of natural causes, such as wind or water, the player must play the ball from its new position, but still without penalty. Additionally, this local rule is just that, a local rule, meaning that it must be adopted by the rules committee or organization conducting the tournament that you’re playing in.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 29 OBITUARY

Newsletter of the Delhi Golf Club Ltd. MARCH 2017 Issue No. 91

We are grieved to record the sad demise of the following members: The Club extends its heartfelt condolences to their families.

Mr Karan Inder Nand Mr Vijay Kumar Galhotra Mr Chaman Lal Mr Raghunandan Lal Mr V.N. Sehgal Mr V.P. Soni Khanna (K-220) G-084 Sawhney (S-060) Gupta (G-220) (S-218) (S-377)

Mr H.B. Singh Mrs Saroj Kapur Mr Vinod Chopra Mr. Amarjit Singh Mr. D.N. Sawhney Mrs Shalini Pahwa (S-410) (WS-197) (C-160) (A-035) (SD-472) (SD-105)

Mrs Priya Singh Mr S V S Juneja Lt. Gen. Amarjit Singh Mrs Shama Gurbachan Lt Gen. V.N. Kapur Mr Jayant Sahni (WS-189) (J118) (S-766) Singh (WS-087) (K-469) (S-672)

Dr T.B. Singh Mr S.P. Sethi Mr Bharat Mahey Mrs K. Tayal Mrs Harbans Kaur (S-355) (S-063) (M-205) (T-034) (WS-062) A parting guest What delightful guests are they So with face lit with delight Life and Love! And all gratitude, I stay Lingering I turn away, Yet to press their hands and say, This late hour, yet glad enough “Thanks. So fine a time! Goodnight. They have not witheld from me “James Whitcomb Riley, American poet (1849 – 1916) Their high hospitality. OBITUARY

Editor: Soni Manjit Singh For private circulation only Editorial Team: Gaby Juneja and Anita Vasudeva We acknowledge with gratitude the world wide web. Photos: Gaby Juneja, IGU The Green Scene can be accessed on the Club website Office Backup: Club Secretariat & Administration http://www.delhigolfclub.org. Design & Print Production: Benchmark Graphic Pvt Ltd Members are welcome to write to the Secretary.

DELHI GOLF CLUB LTD. 31