India House golf underway

28 November 2008

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk and Lyonpo Nandalal Rai are among 135 golfers, including nine women, who are taking part in this year’s India House golf tournament.

Lyonchhen Jigmi Y. Thinley will play on the final day. Lyonchhen will distribute the prizes to the winners in the evening.|
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The Secretary of the tournament said that this year’s tournament saw the largest number of participants in the history of Bhutanese golf.” He said that 25 regular golfers didn’t take part this year for unknown reasons. Had they taken part, the number would have been “huge.”
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Unlike last year, there is no separate category for children below 13 years. The Secretary said the tournament this year is open to all age groups. The reason for not having separate tournament for children was the ongoing examination. He, however, said a lot of youth players are participating this year. “The highest number of golfers participating this year indicated a lot of youths are picking up the game,” he said.

Nidup Tshering, 16, a former caddy, who is participating for the second time in this tournament, said he hoped to claim the runner-up prize this year. “I participate in this tournament because the prize is attractive,” he said.

Attractive prize is not a reason why Major Pem Tshering (retd.), 65, takes part, though. He has been playing India House golf for the last seven years, only for physical exercise and pleasure. “A lot of good golfers take part in this tournament and this is an opportunity to meet your old friends,” he said.

Lt. Colonel Ugyen Phuntsho said he is taking part in the tournament because it is dedicated to the fourth Druk Gyalpo. He said his chances of winning this year’s tournament is low as he had not been playing for the whole year.

He, however, said, “India House golf course is most challenging and 60 percent depends on your luck.” Last year’s winner, Karma Wangchuk, agreed that it is one’s chance of winning the tournament depended on luck. “It is difficult to tell who will win this year,” he said.

“I feel good to play India House golf because a lot of good golfers participate in this tournament.” He said India House has difficult ‘greens’ because of which ‘putting’ is difficult. There are also a lot of trees and if the players lose ball into the trees or in the water, there will be ‘two stock’ penalty. That is why he said the course was difficult and challenging.

The Secretary of the tournament said that to ensure there is no frost on the ‘greens’, it is covered at night, and the game starts at 9 am to ensure that there is no moisture on the course. The best golfer, for the first time, will be awarded a prestigious trophy – the Nehru- Wangchuck Cup, a non-rolling trophy. And the champion will drive away a Maruti Zen Estilo car.

India House golf tournament was started in 1995 to commemorate the birth anniversary of fourth Druk Gyalpo. This year’s tournament, which started on November 26, will end on November 30.

By Rabi C. Dahal

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