Delhi Golf Club (DGC)

Delhi Golf Club or DGC is the oldest and the most esteemed golf club in Delhi, thus offering only restrictive membership. Currently, the waiting period to get a membership to the club is 30 years. Located at Dr. Zakir Hussain Road on 22 acres prime real estate, DGC is an 18-hole golf course and also has a shorter 9-hole course. It is a part of the prestigious Asian PGA Tour. Some of the landmarks near DGC are Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Lodhi Gardens and the Delhi Zoo. Hence locating and reaching DGC is very easy. It also boasts of an extensive club house with a grand swimming pool.

History

DGC was built in 1930s. Then it comprised a much larger area, including parts of Kaka Nagar and Golf Links. It is said to be built by the then chief of Horticulture Department. It then had only a few members, thus making it difficult to sustain. During World War II, for a short period, the club membership was looking up with officers patronising the club. Although the club had a good membership soon after some years since its inception, in 1951, after it became known as DGC, the memberships fell to just 120 members. The club would have shut down but for the efforts of Indian Civil Service officers, including the founder of DGC, Dharma Vira. They petitioned the India’s then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who agreed to rent the government land at a nominal yearly rent for 30 years. Ever since, the club has received similar nominal lease terms from the Government of India. The Club also has historical archaeological remains within its confines. The famous Lal Bangla is located inside the Club premises. The club is frequented by the likes of police officers, top business leaders and executives and senior civil servants.

Course

DGC holds a part of the Asian PGA Tour championships in its Lodhi Course which is an 18-hole course. There is also a 9-hole course along with it. Many prestigious golf tournaments including the Indian Open are held at the club every year.

Status of DGC

Though meant to be a municipal course, but on 24 February 1950, DGC was announced as a commercial body under the Companies Act 1956. RTI petition was filed against DGC asking for its status and the RTI Commissioner on 30 August, 2013, in response, disagreed with the new status of the DGC.

He ruled that since DGC receives "indirect financing" from the central government and its committee includes senior government officers, it is a 'public authority’. He also ruled that hence, DGC was answerable to the public.

Government and DGC

DGC has enjoyed government subsidy ever since its inception. The current annual rent that the club pays is just Rs. 5.82 lakhs even though the market value of the 220 acre land is believed to be around Rs. 47000 crores and Rs 60,000 crores. The current lease of the club is valid till 2050. It was approved by the Minister of Urban Development Kamal Nath in 2012.

Currently, DGC’s membership is about 4000, a majority comprising current or ex civil servants, judges and politicians. It is believed that each member of the club receives an annual subsidy amounting to around Rs 1.5 crores! No wonder then, there is a huge demand for the club’s membership.

Members

DGC has nominated members and also reserved membership. The Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation nominates three members and as per the club rules, every fifth member of the committee has to be the one nominated by the government and this member is entitled to complete voting rights. The Ministry also can nominate 150 officers from the civil services cadre serving in the capital. These members are in the level of joint secretary or above. The Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court also can nominate 20 members and the Law Ministry can nominate five senior law personnel.

Club Amenities

Pro Shop

The Delhi Golf Club Pro Shop is one of the best equipped golf shops in the area and is fully stocked with a wide range of clothing and golf equipment. The shop also sources equipment as per the demand of its customers. It also offers limited minor repairs of clubs and replacement of shoe spikes.

Swimming Pool

The outdoor pool is open to club members from April through October. It is surrounded by an attractive patio with a seating capacity of 100. Snacks and beverages are available. Pool timings are from 7 am to 1.30 pm and from 4 to 9 pm.

Health Club

The fitness centre, located in the Annexe building, provides a breathtaking view of the 18th fairway. Adjoining the fitness centre is a state of the art Steam Room and Changing Room.

Timings

• Gymnasium: For Men & Women 7.00 am to 9.00 pm.
• Steam Room
  • Gents: 7.00 am to 11.00 am (From Monday to Friday)
    3.30 pm to 9.00 pm (From Monday to Friday)
  • Ladies: 12.00 noon to 3.30 pm

Card Room

The card room is a well appointed room for indulging in friendly card games. Limited F&B service is also available. The card room is open between 12 noon to 10 pm on all days of the week. Members are allowed to sign in outstation guests.

Changing Room

A well designed changing room comprising individual lockers, a showering facility and shoe cleaning/storage area. The changing room is also equipped with a TV and massage chairs.

Club Rules

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