Whether you are a golf fanatic or a rookie, playing along the vast stretches of pristine green at East Point Golf Club in Visakhapatnam is a deeply relaxing as well as an addictive experience
Whether you are a golf fanatic or a rookie, playing along the vast stretches of pristine green at East Point Golf Club in Visakhapatnam is a deeply relaxing as well as an addictive experience
Overlooking the canyon at East Point Golf Club (EPGC), a lush landscape of fair and endless greenery, mischievous sand traps and brilliant blue ponds are a greeting to the eye. Meanwhile, a gallery of spectators clapping as they lead to the rugged peaks of the surrounding Eastern Ghats. Ever since the course was converted into a Category-A Championship course almost a year ago, the EPGC has been buzzing with energy.
After nearly two years of pandemic-induced calm on sports as well as destination travel, the EPGC is giving golfers the opportunity to hit the fairway in true style. With water bodies, palm groves and bunkers, all maintained in top condition, the 18-hole course is attracting golf lovers from afar. Here, non-members can also rent golf equipment. Since September last year, the EPGC has hosted three national level tournaments and is gearing up for two more in the summer. It recently concluded the Captain’s Cup tournament and hosted a spectacular Captain’s Night to celebrate the winners of the tournament of the year.
The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta presenting the prizes to the winners of the Captain’s Cup Golf Tournament during Captain’s Night at East Point Golf Club. photo credit: KR Deepak
member friendly courses
Designed by Bengaluru-based golf consultant Nandan Heblikar, the course was completed in a record time of 18 months during the pandemic. Nandan says: “For several decades, the EPGC was completely brown; With the increase in the number of golfers over the years, the course was converted to a green. When I got here, the brief I was given was to redesign it into a member-friendly curriculum. It was a great team effort with the in-house construction done by EPGC and some amazing positive inputs from the club members. Elaborating on the features of the newly-designed course, Nandan says, “It has a Bermuda fairway and 75 bunkers that are filled with water bodies on long ditches. It’s a very interesting course.”
The club was started in 1884, mainly for the exemption of the British. Originally, a nine-hole golf course was located in an area overlooking the sea on one side where the VUDA Park and Park stands today. However, the golf links were closed when British civilians were drafted into the army during World War I and II. It moved to its present location at Mudasaralova in 1964 with the efforts of Raja PV Gajapathi Raju of Vizianagaram and other zealous golfers of the time. Today the club has 1,400 members of whom 300 are active golfers.
a social place
The redesigned curriculum is defined by the latest trends in modern architecture, complemented by natural beauty and an endless space and breadth. The sylvan ambience of the course is matched by wonderful vegetation management by the Greens Committee of EPGC. The club also doubles as a social space and the members enjoy many other services apart from their camaraderie and camaraderie.
Women playing golf at East Point Golf Club. photo credit: KR Deepak
“The whole ambiance of the club is warm and inviting. The most amazing part is experiencing the natural splendor of the place while playing a game of golf. It is a magical experience to bask in the dew on the grass on a winter morning and watch the sunrise over the misty hills,” says Manisha Bhattacharya, an avid golfer, says Manisha takes to the course four times a week. Almost every golfer has to negotiate the difference between the shots she is capable of making, and the ones she actually hits. Can take a great day from the first shot or a terrible one. Sometimes, we get too quick or too distracted. Golf taught me mindfulness lessons. When your mind is calm and at peace in the present moment, you do well. Golf is addictive in that sense; You strive to do better,” says Manisha, who loves EPGC’s redesigned curriculum.
eager learner
Former cricketer Syed Kirmani prepares to swing at East Point Golf Club at the renovated Championship Golf Course in Visakhapatnam. photo credit: KR Deepak
“The upgradation of the curriculum is definitely a turning point for EPGC. Now we see that the number of people eager to learn the sport is increasing. We have designed structured coaching programs with two coaches. Prashant Sagi, Secretary, EPGC says “The highlight of the newly designed course is a new driving range for its training academy.”
The course is maintained and maintained by the Greens Committee. “We have 75 people working the course to keep it going. It is unique for its palm trees and perennial water bodies. Besides adding aesthetic value and natural elegance, the trees add to the difficulty of the course,” says MSN Raju, chairman of the Greens Committee. An avid golfer, Raju spends three hours on weekdays and five hours on weekends on the course. “It serves a dual purpose – passion and fitness. Golf is a game of concentration. One has to be calm and patient to accomplish this,” says Raju, who won the ‘Senior’ category in the Captains Cup tournament, 66 years old. At the age of 14, he continues to play golf day in and day out? That this sport keeps you fit mentally and physically. You are always alert,” he added.