The concept of ‘Walk to Work’ and ‘Walk to A Lifestyle’ has what essentially made the DLF Golf & Country Club the country’s best golf club and has won many laurels including the best golf course award in India and sub-continent for three consecutive years from 2007-09. The golf course, which missed the award in the 2010 by a whisker, regained it back with authority as it has been awarded the 'Best Golf Course' in India at the recently concluded annual Asian Golf Monthly Awards ceremony held at Pattaya, Thailand.
Aakash Ohri, Director, DLF Golf Resorts Ltd. received the prestigious award whose results were based on an online poll of Asian Golf Monthly readers which constitutes some of the best minds in the industry located around the region with a vast knowledge of golfing facilities.
DLF Golf & Country Club has enjoyed the distinction of being adjudged the “Best Course” for three consecutive years. In 2007, DLF was conferred the award for the best course in the Sub-Continent and 2008 & 2009 the best in India.
In an detailed conversation with Indian Sports News, Aakash Ohri, the director of DLF Country and Golf Resort talks about what it takes to make it the best, his association, work culture and more. Excerpts:
Association with DLF: It has been 13 years that I have been associated with DLF and I was the junior most of the team when I joined. I gradually kept on moving up the ladder and kept on facing new challenges, which I received with vigour. It has been more than a decade and I feel the same amount of energy and commitment towards it. The thought of quitting this wonderful place never came to my mind.
What does it take to be Number 1: It is a complete package and there is whole lot that goes into it. To maintain a place like the DLF Golf Course is a huge job and involves round the clock involvement. Lot goes into the presentation, its making and taking it to the point where people would like coming to our golf course. It would be very difficult for me to point out as to what makes this place special. Our staff members are very hospitable and they really make our guests and members feel at home. It also gives everyone a great visual experience. And more importantly it is the bond that we share with the guests and members. The kind of environment and the ambience that has been created, inspire everyone to get associated with DLF and make it a part of their life.
How it is in DLF Country and Golf Club: Well we do have hierarchy in the company but then we are a very flat organisation. All of us share a very cordial relationship. Everyone in the organisation is given a great importance and they are an integral part of our family. More than a professional organisation, it is like a family and we have history of standing up for each other. Knowing that your folks are always with you gives you immense security and allows you to work together for the betterment of the course.
Goal: It is very simple -- to stay at the pinnacle of Indian Golf and also establish ourselves as the best golf course of the continent.
Facts about DLF Golf Course:
Location: In the heart of DLF City in Gurgaon, Haryana
Build: 142 acres with five sparkling lakes, meandering streams, variety of flora & fauna. It is a par 72, 7195 yards 18-hole course. Designed by the golfing legend Arnold Palmer
Distinction: Country’s first floodlit golf course.
Tournaments hosted: Avantha Masters, Hero Honda Masters, DLF Masters, Women’s Indian Open, Johnnie Walker Classic, Indian Open.
Guest’s take on DLF Golf & Country Club
Ajai Johl (Treasurer of Haryana Golf Association): DLF is essentially the country’s best golf club in the country. The kind of hard work that these guys put is highly commendable. They never fall short of expectation and are always looking to innovate and take it to new heights.
Prasad Kariyawasam (High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to India): I have played on many golf courses in Asia and can say that this is the best one. It has greenery all across, well maintained and such hospitable staff. It is of immense pleasure for me to come here and play. The guys have done well to maintain the course and if South Asia has to emerge as a golfing destination, then the region should have more and more club like this.
Humaid Ali Al-Maani (Oman Ambassador to India): I just like playing here. The club is very well organised and is one of the best courses in Asia. The course is a beauty to watch and has different element altogether. They have everything that a golf course requires.
Players take on the course
Smriti Mehra: DLF Golf is supporting women’s golf from the very beginning. They were my sponsors for few years and even now they always support me and let me come here and avail their facilities. We golfers are very obliged to DLF for extending their support to the WGAI. They have been the kind of spine to women golf in India. As for the infrastructure, it’s the best in the country. The fairways are good, greens are awesome and the other facilities are outstanding. And to add to it the hospitality of the DLF staff is fantastic.
Nalini Singh Siwach: I think DLF Academy and its practice facilities are awesome. You can do everything here. So, it’s a really very nice experience playing here.
Kiran Matharu: It’s a great place to play golf. Everything here is fantastic. The greens are in good condition and the hospitality is awesome.
Rebecca Brewerton: I think this is a very good place. The golf course is superb and the staff here take care of their guests in a great manner. That makes it even more remarkable.
