Club History
History
It was as early as in January 1938, the 15th day to be precise, when the Rt. Hon'ble Victor Alexander Hope, the then Governor General of India, inaugurated a golf course in the city, little knowing that close to a century later, it would blossom and flourish into one of the premier courses in the country. Over the years, with a growing popularity, but still perceived as the preserve of the rich and elite, the course evolved till, with the passage of time, the barren browns turned into verdant greens and the sport extended itself into the reach of the everyday person.
With the turn of the millennium, like a larva turning into a butterfly, the transformation moved up a notch, into metamorphosis, with the TNGF taking over the administration of the course. The task was uphill all the way. It was as early as in 2000, under the able stewardship of the President, Mr N Srinivasan, backed by concerted efforts of a golf loving committee, that the transformation of the course, designed by the legendary Peter Thompson, took roots.
The Golf Course
Our Golf Course today presents a picturesque and lush green look and remains the most preferred and sought-after Golf Course in the region. The feedback received from members, distinguished guests, professional Golfers, Visitors etc. is extremely positive and reflective of an outstanding Golf Course. Our continued objective is to present the best manicured course that can be achieved with the available resources.
The other objective is to do as much as possible to weather-proof our Golf Course so that during the monsoon and other rainy days the course can be kept opened for members. There was a temporary disruption in play due to the unprecedented flood and renovation works under taken thereafter. The inconvenience was unavoidable and the changes have resulted in a course which is more challenging, satisfying, and competitive and weather proof to certain extent.
Tamil Nadu Golf Federation continues to provide a quality course that meets or exceeds the demand of its Members, Guest and Visitors.
Two different Tees Boxes were introduced for each hole.i.e., Blue, and Red to meet the requirement of all Golfers as per their age, gender and choice. All the 18 Greens have now been re-laid with larger surface area and additional bunkers with proper drainage system.
The task was never going to be easy. Contour survey and mapping of the entire area was meticulously carried out and after the work was complete, a comprehensive map of the underground system like irrigation and electric cabling was systematically recorded. Proper drainage ensures that excess water is removed quickly after even the heaviest rains
Today, the tough 6,225 yard, 72-par, fully integrated 18-hole course, is a haven for golfers comprising multinational and multi - ethnic communities, apart from becoming a cynosure for golf lovers of the city and form all over the country. Tiff dwarf grass, that is both robust and naturally adaptive to local conditions, was planted on the greens which are all tailor made to USGA specifications. An integrated driving range provides an opportunity to both beginners and seasoned golfers to practice assiduously and constantly raise the bar of their performance.
The early days witnessed the basic maintenance and even the survival of the course, purely through donation of course equipment by philanthropic players. Today, the course is maintained throughout the year, by state -of- art machinery that serve every need be it maintaining the fairways, the first and second cuts, the bordering roughs or the delicate greens. Large, but carefully weighed and considered investments in turf mowing and maintenance equipment, and an automated and programmable irrigation system have paid rich dividends in an enviable facility, attracting golfers from all over the country and beyond its shores.
The Magic of Greenery
Chennai which, like every other metropolis, is being constantly deprived of green cover, has much to be thankful for the course. A green lung in the heart of the city, with trees providing shade and acting as a habitat for a variety of birds like parrots, mynahs, kingfishers, Brahminy kites and the clever crows that very often make away with golf balls, probably mistaking them for eggs, is a blessing that comes as positive collateral with the sport. Small animals and insects thrive in this happy environment. Waste water is usefully recycled with a tertiary stage treatment plant, generating 1 MLD for the maintenance of the course, putting paid to misconceptions about golf course being huge water guzzlers. So, even in peak summers, the course remains green and fresh, thereby sustaining the flora and fauna that are dependent on it for survival.AFFILIATED CLUBS
- Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club, Mysore
- Sardar Golf Club,Jodhpur
- Royal Palm Spring Golf Club Port Dickson, Malaysia
- Lucknow Golf Club
- Kodaikanal Golf Club
- Coimbatore Golf Club
- Ooty Golf Club
- Salem Golf Club
- Palm Grove Army Golf Club,Island Ground, Chennai
- Officers Training Academy Golf Club
- Karnataka Golf Association
- Gul mohar Greens Golf & Country Club
- The Bombay Presidency Golf Club Ltd.
TNGF GOLF ACADEMY - JUNIOR GOLF
With a view to promoting the sport and to nurture young talent, a golf academy has been started. Customised programs have been created to encourage juniors and school children to explore and understand the finer aspects of the game and nurture them to become good golfers and even professionals.
The TNGF Golf Academy was started to promote game of Golf at the grass root level. Customised programmes are available to encourage juniors and school children to learn the finer aspects of golf and prepare them to become professional golfers. The Academy provides them with training clubs, balls and a perfect ambience to practice and home their skills.
All children of members between the age of 5 and 18 are eligible. Coaching classes are schedule for 3 days a week and each session is for 2 hours. Many of them get to play a round of golf with experienced players.
Our Chief Coach is an experienced Golfers and certified coach by the National Golf Academy of India (NGAI). Murugan, Saravanan, Gopi are all NGAI certified and assisted by Raja & Agilan. The coaches also continuously attend and seminars to keep themselves abreast with the latest teaching methods.
Launch monitors and other technology driven systems are being constantly used in the teaching means for the children.