Chawrasia plans to have a golf foundation for underprivileged children

The defending Indian Open champion and one of the top golfers of the country, S.S.P. Chawrasia, is planning a foundation to take the sport to underprivileged children.

Chawrasia stressed on the need to have public golf courses for the sport to gain greater acceptance in the country.

The defending Indian Open champion and one of the top golfers of the country, S.S.P. Chawrasia, is planning a foundation to take the sport to underprivileged children. Looking back at his own humble beginning where he started off as a caddie in the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Chawrasia said that he aims to initiate children from similar background and help them make a career in golf like him.

“I still remember the players I have grown up with here (in RCGC). Some of them have become caddies, some have passed away while some have become addicted to alcohol and drugs,” Chawrasia said remembering his initial days.

“I want to rectify that. The urge to do this came from the heart. The kids will get every opportunity starting from coaching, and then as the Foundation grows we will take care of their education also,” he added.

The player informed that the legal modalities about the foundation, which will bear his name, is complete and the official inauguration will happen sometime later this month. Chawrasia revealed that the foundation will start with 10 children, whom he will be selecting from the surroundings of the RCGC. “I am planning to have kids between age groups of 10 to 18, who will be clubbed in different groups As of now I am pooling in my resources to fund the activities of the foundation. Later as it grows I will look for sponsors,” Chawrasia said revealing his plans for the foundation.

Chawrasia stressed on the need to have public golf courses for the sport to gain greater acceptance in the country. “I surely hope that the Government takes the initiative to public golf courses. There is a lot of talent in India and they just need the right platform to prosper,” he said.

Chawrasia, who will be looking to defend the Hero Indian Open title for the third consecutive occasion when the tournament gets underway on March 8, remarked the phenomenal rise of Subhankar Sharma is the best thing to happen to Indian golf of late. “Shubhankar’s tremendous form is good news for Indian golf. He is currently leading in the (WGC Mexico Championship) and has already bagged a European Tour title (Joburg Open). He is taking the flag of Indian golfers higher,” Chawrasia said.