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Suited to the tee
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Kapil Dev is probably the most famous Indian cricketer-turned-golfer. But the list of former cricketers from Karnataka who have taken to the sport seriously is quite impressive indeed
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PHOTOS: SAMPATH KUMAR G.P. AND RANJEET KUMAR
GOOD FOR GOLF West Indian greats Franklin Stephenson (squatting) and Jeff Dujon, are avid golfers.
"Once a cricketer, usually a golfer." It is a slight variation to an old adage about cricketers and the number of former cricketers who turned to golf after retiring from the game is testament to that. The list includes the likes of Gary Sobers, Allan Border, Richie Benaud, Ian Bishop, Terry Alderman, Chris Broad, Barry Richards, Simon Doull and Franklin Stephenson, to name a few who have become besotted with golf and spend hours on the course whenever possible. Stephenson in fact switched from cricket to golf when he was at his prime and currently coaches golf enthusiasts at an elite club in the West Indies.
In November two years ago, cricketing golfers from eight nations played a tournament at the Karnataka Golf Association and all of them had a great time. Dr. Rohit Shetty, President, KGA remarked that the event showcased India's golfing potential to eight countries and hoped the tournament would continue over the years at different venues the world over. That has not happened and a second edition scheduled at the Bangalore Golf Club in February this year was cancelled.
A number of Indian cricketers have taken up golf with Bangalore's list the most impressive.
On top of the list is the dashing, diminutive, dapper cricketer G.R Vishwanath. Vishy, who was once picked up and cradled in the arms of the tall Tony Greig (not a bad golfer himself), is a die- hard golfer these days. He plays to a single digit handicap and is a regular at the KGA. He loves to relax after a strenuous round of golf and spends quality time with his old friends on the 19th hole. He usually avoids celebrity golf tournaments and plays with his old pals regularly.
Roger Binny has worked hard to improve his handicap and never misses an opportunity to pick up his golf set and head for the course when in town. Binny in fact travels abroad a lot these days but never misses the chance to play on foreign golf courses. The World Cup star of 1983 has played at courses in Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Syed Kirmani, Binny's team mate in the World cup-winning squad plays to a handicap of 18 and is a regular at corporate and charity golf tournaments. Kiri is a versatile after-lunch (or dinner) speaker and usually regales golfers with his anecdotes during the prize distribution ceremonies.
Kapil Dev carries the flag for India.
E.A.S Prasanna, often called the wiliest off-spinner in the world, relaxes with a good round of golf whenever he can. Pras may not be totally enamoured by golf but he plays occasionally. His brother E.A.S Rajanna was a far more involved golfer.
The latest cricketer-turned-golfer is Sujith Somasundar. Somasundar who played two one-day internationals for India is an avid golfer and travels miles to play in tournaments. The former Karnataka cricket captain is very serious about the game and practices hard. He is very close to a scratch handicap.
Venkatesh Prasad and Javagal Srinath too love to play, but their commitments do not allow them to be regulars on the course as yet. In the years to come both Indian pacemen are sure to be among the golf addicts.
From the Ranji trophy team, former wicket-keeper batsman Nandan Heblikar took to golf passionately after hanging up his cricket boots. A southpaw, he always bemoans the fact that it is tough to get golf clubs for left-handers. He is a pretty decent golfer and has served on the committee of office bearers at the Karnataka Golf Association. Sujai Ghorpade went on to become a qualified coach but has now relocated to London.
D. RAVI SHANKAR
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