FROM MY DIARY …
MARCH 2021
By Brandon de Souza he amateur golfer is set to be redefined if the proposed changes to the Rules of Amateur Status are to go by . It is a step in the right direction as we need to differentiate the person from the professional . While the Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our selfregulating sport , the code must continue to evolve and that is what is the proposal .
The Covid-19 is here to stay it seems , as the new strain detected in the United Kingdom has spread and a lot of countries are seeing a fresh wave of positive cases . Even in India , we have seen a surge over the past month but the second phase of vaccinations starting this month , should see some respite I am hopeful . Let ’ s be careful for a few more months even with the Covid fatigue being at an all time high .
The impact on professional golf has been negative and can be seen in Asia particularly as the Asian Tour is yet to restart . Even in India , the Professional Golf Tour of India is stuttering with the paucity of events on the calendar . I am sure every effort is being made by the tour to organize more events and efforts can be seen with the Glade One Masters making an entry on the calendar . But the fact remains our professionals are hurting especially the ones who ply their trade in Asia costing them ranking points in an Olympics year .
What we do learn from cricket is , despite the challenges , we carry on business as usual in our own bubble . Should we have more number of professional events at lower prize monies so as to keep our guys match fit for when they get an opportunity
One positive we are going to witness this month is the launch of T Golf Foundation in Hyderabad . internationally , they do not need time to get used to competition ? Last year ’ s Women ’ s Open winner Sophia Popov is a prime example of the possibilities of regular match practice . Her grinding it out and winning on the Cactus Tour before the big one should serve as a reminder that tournament golf is most important to build up confidence and cultivate the winning habit .
The other thoughts that keep making their presence felt in my head are of packaging golf in our country . Making it television worthy so that we have our own Krishnappa Gowthams who , even though are less known , get grabbed by a team / sponsor for a fortune . It could be game changing even though I am aware that whenever we have tried it in the past , it hasn ’ t delivered the eyeballs .
One positive we are going to witness this month is the launch of T Golf Foundation in Hyderabad . They have big plans for growing the game in Greater Hyderabad and Telangana region to start with especially amongst the caddies and course workers who could take up the game and make good of their life . We are happy to manage the inaugural fund raiser planned at Boulder Hills on 7th March . Their endeavor is to support the talent in the region and drive them to get better and make a name for themselves . More power to them !
Brandon de Souza is the President of Golf Industry Association . He is the Chairman & Managing Director of Tiger Sports Marketing & Brandon de Souza Management Services . He advises brands
on using golf as a platform .
GolfPlus MARCH 2021 39