Golf, a novel way to attract Non-Resident Punjabis

Golf tourism has emerged as a novel way to attract Non-Resident Punjabis to their homeland.

Chandigarh, Nov 29 : Golf tourism has emerged as a novel way to attract Non-Resident Punjabis to their homeland.

Most of the Golf courses in India are surrounded by natural beauty; the only thing visible till the sight may reach is the green grass. The caddies, the person who carries a Golf player's bag, and the golf kit can be easily hired. The transportation and the food are an integral part of the itinerary.

And to top this, the game is intertwined with sightseeing.

The Chandigarh Golf Club, located in Sector 6 of the city is a pleasure to be at. The sprawling 132 acres of land surrounded with thick mango, jamun, eucalyptus and kikar orchards are refreshing for both, the body and the soul.

A golf tournament was recently organised in Chandigarh in which as many as 45 expatriate Punjabis settled in various parts of the globe participated.

The Non-Resident Indian (NRI) golfers found the facilities and infrastructure amazing.

"The event held at courses in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Chandimandir proved to be a fabulous five-star retreat to the special guests. I think it is much more developed since I left India. The country has made fantastic progress," said Narinder S Dhaliwal, a participant from New Zealand.

For the second-generation expatriates, a visit to Punjab is really a moment to cherish forever. In the crowd was England-born Jas Bains an IT service manager in Washington. He was amazed to see the phenomenal strides made by Punjab. "Facilities are A-one. People and their hospitality too are great. We were at Chandigarh Golf Course and the facilities are magnificent," said Jas.

The NRI guests found it a pleasant break away from their fast-paced lives and had a gala time shopping. Their visit had manifold benefits as it helped strengthen economic connections and fosters social and emotional bonds with visits at ancestral villages being an integral part. or Switzerland-based Jogishwar Singh and Canada-based Navjot Bhullar, the visit was unforgettable. "Well it's an emotional trip - meeting old friends and seeing old places associated with events from childhood. With lots of physical changes, the city is not the same as it grows every time with new buildings and sectors being added at Punchkula and other places," said Jogishwar Singh.

Bhullar added, "My most profound experience was that we went back to the Ladiyan village I was born in and to the actual house I was born in. And not many of my relatives are left, but many villagers remember my parents and uncles. Although, it is million of miles away from where I live, there's a sense of belonging. So one is at peace with oneself while visiting the ancestral place one was born in.NRIs just need an excuse to make the trek back to their homeland and golf tourism may just be a major draw card. By Sunil Sharma

ANI