Junior golf programmes tend to skim the cream of talent

By Rahul Banerji

Junior golf development programmes around the world are often instrumental in unearthing talent that may have otherwise gone unrecognized.

More than a few well-known names come to mind, and in Delhi, they include the likes of Shiv Kapur,  Daniel Chopra, Manav Jaini, Rashid Khan, Honey Baisoya and  Gauri Monga, to name a few.

The Delhi Golf Club is setting up its own such scheme that culminates in an annual tournament and is now taking it to the next level.

With golf now an Olympic sport, the club is in the process of setting up a centre for excellence

The Strive for Excellence programme is to run as a separate activity and provides free training to selected players.

The selection in age groups varying from eight to 18 years will be open those with a requisite level of proficiency also to meritorious youngsters belonging to economically weaker sections of society.

Facilities at the DGC are being upgraded at the driving range, chipping and putting areas. Technology based equipment is being purchased and set up so that training can be imparted in a proper and scientific manner.

Top professional coaches recognized by the IGU are to train the youngsters. Training is free for the 20 selected who are rank holders in the IGU merit list.

Those selected will get a year to develop and those not making progress will be replaced by others based on merit or potential.

Periodic grading

The programme also includes golf clinics for 10 days every month and periodic tournaments to test growth.

All this of course suggests a fast-track sort of scheme that helps those with existing access to golfing facilities. It does not really address complete beginners or those lacking access to coaches, courses and training.

In that sense, facilities like the one at Clover Green at Hosur (Tamil Nadu) are an alternate model. There, Rahul Ganapathy runs a residential facility with his students living on-site, studying at nearby schools and with more time devoted to growing their game.

Yet every step, howsoever targeted, is welcome if the aim is to find and nurture talent at the base.

Plenty has happened over the years and Indian youngsters are treading paths not imagined by golfers even two decades ago.

Much more, however, needs to be done.

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