Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Wednesday inaugurated Delhi’s new golf course which has a ‘pay-and-play’ option. Saxena said that while golf has mostly been a “rich man’s game”, that is likely to change in Delhi, The Indian Express reported.
The golf course, constructed across 158 acres at the cost of Rs 250 crore by the DDA, is scheduled to be fully complete by April 2025. Spanning 7,377 yards with 18 holes and a par of 72, it is reputed to be the longest golf course in India. The course also features four lakes and boasts the longest driving range, stretching 375 yards.
Although still under construction, the golf course clubhouse will feature 11 suites, a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, restaurant, lecture halls, and other amenities. Additionally, it will house a training academy, IE said.
Delhi new golf course: Fee
A request to reduce the existing membership of the golf course was put before Saxena by many people, including West Delhi BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat. “Golf is not for the poor, this game is for the rich. When playing this game, one has to consider the facilities one will use,” Saxena said. He further said that those who want to use the facility can use it without a membership.
“The advertisement for membership to the golf course received a very good response, which shows there is no dearth of sports lovers in Delhi. The fees do not matter to them. Those who want to play will play,” Saxena said.
Earlier this year, the DDA had hiked its membership across its 17 sports complexes in the city. However, the hike was soon rolled back within weeks after the authority received a backlash.
Players to train here
Saxena has said that upcoming players will be given international-level training at the golf course. “t is important that new players are introduced to the sport,” he said, adding that the facility is also expected to push the tourism in Delhi.
“Golf players come from Japan in charter planes to play at the Gurgaon Golf Course and stay for a month…this golf course in Dwarka has been built according to international standards to attract international players… it will lead to increased tourism and improve the country’s image,” he added.