The coastal city of Mangaluru is poised to make a significant mark on the national sports landscape with the upcoming inauguration of a cutting-edge Golf Excellence Academy at the Pilikula Golf Club. This ambitious project, scheduled to open its doors by May 31, represents a major step forward in elevating the city's profile in the world of golf.
Philanthropic Backing and Strategic Vision
Captain Manoj Kumar Shetty of the Pilikula Golf Club revealed during the club's inaugural floodlit Pro Am tournament that the academy is being generously funded by UAE-based philanthropist Michael D'Souza. The initiative is currently in the design phase, with plans to bring in experts from leading golf academies across the country to help develop a top-tier training facility.
Training Capacity and Long-Term Goals
The academy is designed to train up to 20 aspiring golfers simultaneously, with a clear long-term objective of nurturing talent capable of competing at the national level. This structured approach aims to transform Mangaluru into a hub for golfing excellence, providing young athletes with the resources and guidance needed to excel.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Coaching Enhancements
Previously, the Pilikula Golf Club relied solely on an in-house coach. However, with the recent renovation and launch of its floodlit course, the club is now focused on significantly upgrading its coaching infrastructure. Captain Shetty emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to elevate the sport within the city and region.
Collaboration with Coaching Academies
Stakeholders at the Pilikula Golf Club are actively engaging with established coaching academies to ensure the new facility meets the highest standards. Two academies have already been approached, and their heads are expected to visit Mangaluru soon to provide valuable insights and recommendations.
Shetty further explained, "The construction of a dormitory for trainers is currently underway. We are inviting coaching academies to the Pilikula Golf Club so that, based on their expert inputs, we can implement the necessary facilities and modifications for the Golf Excellence Academy. Our ultimate goal is to produce some of the best golfers from our region."
Benefits of the Floodlit Course
Professional golfer Aryan Roopa Anand highlighted the advantages of the newly introduced floodlit course, noting that it will enable young players to balance their academic commitments with rigorous sports training. "They can practice after their school hours, up to 8 pm or 9 pm, without any constraints," he added, underscoring the facility's role in supporting holistic development.
Key Features of the Golf Excellence Academy
- Launch Date: Scheduled to open by May 31, 2024.
- Funding: Supported by UAE philanthropist Michael D'Souza.
- Training Capacity: Will accommodate 20 young golfers per session.
- Infrastructure: Includes a dormitory for trainers and a floodlit course for extended practice hours.
- Educational Integration: Allows students to practice after school until 8–9 pm, facilitating a balance between sports and academics.
This initiative marks a transformative moment for Mangaluru, positioning it as a emerging destination for golf training and development in India. With state-of-the-art facilities, expert guidance, and a clear vision for nurturing talent, the Golf Excellence Academy is set to inspire a new generation of golfers from the coastal region.
