The Hindu : Sport / Golf : Army chief opens gates to juniors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006

Sport

Sport - Golf

Army chief opens gates to juniors

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: General J.J. Singh, Chief of Army Staff and Indian Golf Union president, has announced a proposal to open the Army golf courses to outstanding juniors for a nominal fee, in order to develop their talents.

"Around 70 per cent of golf courses in India are controlled and maintained by the Army. Throwing them open to young boys and girls, like dependants of service personnel and outstanding juniors, even if they happen to be civilians, is under consideration," he said, while addressing the media on the opening day of the Royal Challenge 105th All-India Amateur Golf Championships at the BPGC course.

"However, I wish to make it clear that this does not mean entry for everybody into the Army golf courses and not at the cost of regular members," he added.

Gen. Singh also unveiled plans to set up a golf academy as a nursery for future golfers, coaching camps with foreign trainers, courses for referees and increased involvement from state associations.

He also stressed upon the need of having at least 10 world-class courses in India so that more players get the necessary exposure.

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