Maj Lally Virk Wins Chandigarh Golf Club Presidency with Landslide Victory

Major (retd) Rajinder Singh Lally Virk, 57, has been elected as the President of the prestigious Chandigarh Golf Club, securing a decisive victory over his opponent Capt Mohanbir Singh (Bunny), 62, in the club's annual elections held on Sunday. The closely watched contest between the two distinguished Army veterans concluded with Virk receiving an impressive 775 votes against Bunny's 471 votes.

Significant Voter Turnout Marks Return to Competitive Elections

Of the 1,254 votes that were polled during the election, 1,246 were declared valid while eight votes were invalidated. With nearly 1,800 eligible voters in the club, the turnout was notably significant and marked a refreshing return to genuinely competitive elections after a prolonged phase of largely unanimous selections for leadership positions. This election demonstrated renewed member engagement and interest in the club's governance.

Virk's Persistence Pays Off After Previous Electoral Setbacks

While Capt Mohanbir Singh was contesting for the top presidential post for the very first time, Maj Lally Virk had faced electoral disappointments in previous years. A veteran of the esteemed 15 Guards regiment and former Aide-de-Camp to the Governor of Tripura, Virk had unsuccessfully contested the presidency twice before this triumphant victory.

In the 2022 elections, Colonel Bobby Chahal emerged victorious with a 97-vote margin, polling 505 votes against Virk's 408 out of 1,154 votes cast. The following year in 2023, Chahal again secured the presidency, this time by a much narrower margin of just 29 votes. Chahal received 591 votes while Virk garnered 562 votes, clearly indicating the steadily growing support base that Virk had been building through successive contests.

Campaign Focused on Accountability, Credibility and Transparency

Maj Lally Virk campaigned under the powerful slogan 'For accountability, credibility and transparency', assembling a diverse and capable panel that included seasoned golfers, medical professionals, legal experts, and fellow veterans. His campaign consistently emphasized the need for inclusive leadership and comprehensive institutional reform within the club's governance structure.

As a former member of the Executive Committee and a vocal advocate on various club matters, Virk has consistently spoken about the importance of preserving the club's rich legacy while adapting to contemporary needs. "I am interested in serving because I believe in the legacy of this club and feel a deep sense of responsibility towards its future," he had stated during his campaign.

Three-Pillar Governance Framework Promised

Maj Virk identified restoring trust in financial management, operational efficiency, and transparent governance as the central challenges facing the club. He has promised a clear and purposeful approach built on three fundamental pillars:

Golf-First Governance: Professional course management prioritizing the core golfing experience for members.
Transparent Operations: Comprehensive transparency covering tournament organization, financial matters, and administrative decisions.
Time-Bound Solutions: Addressing longstanding issues including parking facilities and caddie services with specific deadlines.

Addressing Financial Concerns with Independent Review

Regarding concerns and rumors surrounding losses in food and beverage operations at the club, Maj Virk stated firmly, "We will replace rumours with reviews. Our first step will be an independent and transparent review of all operations." He further elaborated that financial priorities under his leadership would focus on revenue optimization, disciplined cost management, and strategic reinvestment aimed at achieving sustainable, member-centric growth for the Chandigarh Golf Club.

The election results represent not just a personal victory for Maj Lally Virk but also signal a new chapter for one of North India's most prominent golfing institutions, with members expressing optimism about the promised reforms and transparent governance ahead.