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Lobb + Partners sign new partnership agreement
nternational golf course
I architecture practice Lobb + Partners ( L + P ) has been hired as a strategic partner for the design of multiple golf destinations across India with the PGA of America by Aivot Golf & Sports Management Private Limited , a newly-founded organisation created by a group of Indian / American investors .
Golf has a long history in India – the subcontinent ’ s first course , Royal Calcutta , was established in 1829 , the first in the world outside Scotland ( before golf had even spread to England or Ireland ), and in the modern age , there are approximately 300 courses across the country . But large-scale golf development has been slow to take off in India , despite the historical and cultural fit , because fragmented land ownership has made it difficult for potential developers to acquire suitable properties . Aivot , along with its partners , has ambitions to fix this , and transform the development of golf in India .
After signing the partnership agreement at the newly opened PGA of America headquarters in Frisco , Texas , USA , L + P founder and principal Tim Lobb said : “ As a team we aspire to create world-class golf courses , academies , and outstanding hotel and residential amenities alongside them . This is massively exciting for Indian golf , and we are overjoyed to be involved .”
The golf facilities will be PGA-branded , and are planned to include a mix of courses , academies and training centres , where Indians , whether previously exposed to golf or not , can develop their skills and enjoy the game . A substantial number of developments are planned across the subcontinent , in cities and regions including Mumbai , Pune , Goa , Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region ( NCR ), Ahmedabad , Hyderabad , Chennai , Bengaluru ( Bangalore ), Chandigarh and Lucknow . The Mumbai , Goa and Hyderabad projects are slated to be first up .
“ The Goa project will be a resort – ideal for an area that is a major tourist destination – but some of the others , nearer to major cities , will be integrated golf communities ,” says Lobb . “ Aivot is a very forward thinking and talented group aiming to achieve something new for golf in India .”
Aivot ’ s CEO Alok Tiwari , a leading entrepreneur in the field of artificial intelligence ( AI ), says : “ Our plans are hugely ambitious – we are trying to create a hub for innovation and excellence in golfer development for India . As such , we naturally need partners who provide the absolute best quality support available , and we are confident that , in the PGA of America and Lobb + Partners , we have just that .”
www . lobbandpartners . com
GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | September / October 2023 9