Time to tee off at nation’s best academy in Ahmedabad

It’s another first for Ahmedabad. Having accomplished a feat of sorts by building India’s longest golf course, Kensville Golf and Country Club has set up the nation’s biggest golf academy — and it’s right in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw away from Rajpath Club. With a three-tiered driving range, the flood-lit state-of-the-art academy which has 36 bays and the latest teaching techniques, will open for membership in October “but the cheques (for membership) are already pouring in.”

“It’s a very exciting time for Indian golf — and for golf in Ahmedabad,” Brandon DeSouza, former India international and National coach who will be the head coach at the new academy, told mediapersons here on Monday. Besides DeSouza, the academy has roped in a South African, Cameron Venter, who is a qualified Professional Golf Academy (PGA) coach and Abhishekh Ahlawat, a PGTI professional, to ensure that the coaching is of the highest standard.

“It won’t be just a showpiece, we expect to produce national and international champions here,” Sameer Sinha, Kensville MD said. Sinha said.

“Chandigarh has been producing quite a number of national and international players. But we intend to overtake them. The main objective of having academy in the city is to get youth, who have genuine desire to become professionals and champions for the future. That is the main reason we have called in Brandon DeSouza. Moreover, the academy will be open for the corporate people also,” Sinha added. Besides the golf, the complex will have a spa, gymnsaium and short game practice facilities.

The academy is designed in such away that 80 players at a time will able to swing their clubs at the driving range. DeSouza promises to deliver the goods. “I assure you that there will be no compromise in the quality of services like instructors, equipments and training ground. We have a 225 metres of driving range and are also coming up with putting green. I am excited about the concept. If I wasn’t convinced, I would have not come here,” said DeSouza, who has been involved in golf management after retiring as an active player.

DeSouza carries heap of experience having represented India 17 times, including two World Cups. “I want 7-8 years old kids to come and play, even mothers who wish to learn the game are welcome. The academy being integral part of the Kensville Golf course, we plan to have junior tournaments on regular basis, where 100 kids will be swinging their clubs at a time,” he said.