8th September - Golf Forum (continued by Prabodh)part1

Hi Folks . Where we were do you remember? Yes , we need to begin with The next session "Where have all the coaches gone?"

Mr.Digraj Singh , MD of Digraj Golf Inc. was the moderator. He talked about interconnection between gurukuls and todays' golf education. The entire session made us understand the reasons why golf coaches in India are leaving their profession or not giving full time?

The first pannelist was Mr. Romit Bose who himself is not pursuing full time golf profession despite being one of the finest coaches of India. Why? Money. There is restictive coaching fees that have not been revised for years . Whatever they were earning in DGC a decade back , they were the richest among all golf coachings in India. But now those people who were nothing are driving Mercedes-Benz while these people are on the same level. In todays' inflated economy , their bread and livelihood is in darkness. He says " If he devotes the full time in golf coaching , he will not be able to live in South Delhi." He told his personal life experiences as a coach.

Another pannelist was Htwe Hla Han (Secretary of Asian games). Focused on participation of junior teams as they are the future. And juniors need coaches. Implying best teachers are utmost requirements for best players. And for retaining coaches Corporate or Government funding is the only solution.

Vandana agarwal(Professional Golf Player) said that "every club should look coaching as value added service. She also talked on corporate retailerships and sponsorships.

The next pannelist was Mr.Rishi Narayan. According to him "Club Professional Programme like US isthe solution to coach problem in India. The club pro is not only coach but multi-faceted person , administrator , general manager and lives a secured life and is paid on a high scale."

But in India there is sheer lack of golf club managers and club pro and also a organisational structure. He added " National Golf Academy in each zones will make the coaches pay. Clubs arenot going to solve this problem."

One intersting thing I noticed was there is no lack of golf coaches in India.But there is lack of Professional coaches. Even in DGC about 10 are there and many are in the waiting list now.So , excessive supply with no change in demand , the pay will definitely go down. Another provision which was in mind of pannelists was charging about 6000INR for one hour. But this is absolutely ridiculous in a country like India.