By Rahul Banerji
The Oxford Golf Resort in Pune was adjudged Best Course in India at the Asian Golf Awards 2018 in Bangkok.
At a gala get-together of the 2018 Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) on Sunday, Oxford Golf Resort was declared winner in one of the several award categories.
APGS is run by the Asia Pacific Golf Group, which recognises the region’s golf club industry.
The Phillip Ryan-designed 18-hole par-72 course is spread out on the outskirts of Pune in the rocky and rugged Sahayadri ranges.
Tough selection
The APGS award selection process spans a year where the courses are judged on various parameters besides an online poll before the final selection.
Oxford group chairman Anil Seolekar, received the award in the presence of Australian golfing legend Greg Norman.
Seolaker was quoted as telling a Pune newspaper, “I am overwhelmed by this award and I am sure we will continue to set new benchmarks in future.”
“We have kept Pune’s flag flying high in India’s golf industry,” said Seolekar about the Pacific Coast designed course that also houses the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.
According to the APGG, over than 250 club industry executives congregated to celebrate the achievements of Asia’s best of the best at the gala.
Wide attendance
“The 2018 edition of this industry recognition event played out over 45 award categories and left no doubt in the minds of industry professionals that the Asian Golf Awards is the annual recognition event that other similar events are measured by,” the APGG website said.
The event was attended by delegates from over 22 countries and was staged in conjunction with the 2018 Asia Pacific Golf Summit.
Two-time major winner Norman was guest of honour and was also inducted into the Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame.
Major event
“The Asia Pacific Golf Group must be congratulated for its drive and energy to stage a truly world class event annually,” said Tenniel Chu, vice-chairman of the Mission Hills Group of China, the operator of the world’s largest golf resort.
“It is really impressive to see them exceed expectations every year.”
“We are glad that the club industry in Asia gathers at our events and it is their support that drives us to excel and go beyond the records set every year,” said APGG chief executive Mike Sebastian.
“The APGS and the Asian Golf Awards have been staged annually for the past 12 years and we hope that we have the staying power to continue indefinitely,” the owner and producer of both events added.
The 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Summit will be held at Gurgaon.
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