Vibrant Gujarat. I am using these two words not to reflect on the on-going investment fair in the state but the growth of golf there. Because, with over ten golf courses, Gujarat ought to be called the golf capital of the country where you can tee off from against a royal backdrop to the brand new Jack Nicklaus facilities. With this industrial event and with all this global attention on it, hopefully the golf infrastructure is also getting its appropriate due.
At Vibrant Gujarat, with an amazing roll call of global names led by US Secretary of State John Kerry, one hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also making a pitch for the sport to grow in India, indirectly, if not upfront. The impression is that Modi is against golfing but the fact is, his state – thanks to the efforts during Modi's tenure – remains at the forefront of golf growth. And the prime minister deftly uses golf where it helps the business. For example, Modi spoke about the sport as a business tool in his visits to Japan and Australia, business citizens of which are in love with the sport.
According to Gujarat Tourism, some of the big deals in the states are being struck on golf courses. In what can only be called a path-breaking effort, Gujarat will now have its own golf union to make it a more organised sport. Just last week, the state pushed for more women to play golf by hosting a couple of professional golf tournaments.
Later this month, Barack Obama is visiting India and while that should make for business and political headway between the two democracies, I am hoping Obama can help Modi with a renewed pitch for golf. The American president has played over 200 rounds since 2009. He used this time to discuss strategies with deputies or disarm adversaries. Either way, it's fruitful. Golf is a mind-sport. In the past we have seen Obama being criticised for playing but White House finally got around it and made a statement middle of 2014. "Generally, I think sports and leisure activities are a good way for release and clearing of the mind," said White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz. "Just because he's in a different location doesn't mean he's not doing his job."
No doubt politics and golf remains a delicate dance but there is no sport this strong for track two relationships. It's brilliant for discussions, breaking the ice, building new friendships and fixing old enemies. As we tee off into 2015, one hopes Modi will course-correct what seems to be an impression across the country, that he is anti-golf. Given that a few years ago he was seen sporting a T-shirt and driving a nice shot with Gaganjeet Bhullar, there can be no greater ambassador for a sport looking to rise in the country. If he understands business, he ought to understand golf.
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