Golf always felt like one of those angrezon-wala sports—fancy clubs, hushed voices, and fees that could easily fund a family wedding. I was always a khel-kud ka deewana, the kind who thrived on cricket, badminton, and any sport where you didn’t have to dress like a retired CEO. But golf? That was the door ka rishtedaar I had only heard about, never met.
Growing up in Lucknow, I didn’t have a single public golf course within reach, and honestly, affording the game in those days felt like dreaming of buying land on the moon—possible only if you were a film star or a minister. So golf remained a distant fascination, tucked away somewhere between curiosity and impossibility.
🔙A look back: My life stories and true experiences from the greens.
2. A Moment Of Transformation
LoreMy dear wife had passed away, leaving a silence in my life that no words could fill. My children, determined to lift my spirits, suggested a holiday to Coorg — the Scotland of India. It was September 2021, and at a youthful seventy-two, I agreed, more out of their insistence than my own desire.
We stayed at one of Amma’s beautiful properties, a place blessed with sweeping views, quiet luxury, and — to my surprise — its own golf facility. I had heard about golf all my life, spoken of in tones that mixed awe with exclusivity, but I had never stood on a golf course. My knowledge of the game was limited to its spelling, and my attempts at pronunciation — Goff, Gowff, Goaf — never quite landed right. Beyond its name and the occasional mention in conversation, golf meant very little to me.
On our first day at the estate, while wandering through Coorg’s lush forests, we suddenly emerged onto a vast expanse of emerald-green land. We all stopped, almost instinctively, and said in unison — it’s a golf course. The sight of those immaculate greens stirred something deep within me. Though I had no idea how to play, that moment awakened a quiet, powerful desire — a longing I didn’t know existed until I stood there, looking at the fairway stretching into the horizon.m ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
3. Learning to Golf in a Military Town
Returning to Dehradun, I found myself unable to detach from the brief yet delightful encounter with golf in Coorg. Something had shifted within me. The game had taken quiet possession of my thoughts, and the desire to learn more grew stronger with each passing day.
Dehradun has three golf clubs, all of them owned by the armed forces and reserved strictly for serving and retired military personnel. For a civilian like me, getting access to these courses was far from easy. But fate has its own timing. One of our close family friends, Colonel Govind Pant, was a member of the DSOI Club, and through his recommendation I was granted limited access to practise golf there.
I wasn’t allowed to play on the course, but I could use the practice area — the Range — and that was more than enough for me. Colonel Pant also showed extraordinary kindness by lending me his spare set of clubs. With his support and encouragement, my journey towards learning golf truly began.
For nearly five months, this arrangement continued. Every evening at the Range felt like opening a new chapter. I was unrefined, awkward, and clueless — but deeply enthusiastic. The crack of a clean shot, the thud of a mishit, the occasional smile of approval from fellow players — everything was part of the learning curve.
After some time, I was finally granted my own membership. My first act was to return Colonel Pant’s clubs with heartfelt gratitude and purchase a set of my own. I had initially planned to buy a second-hand kit for about ₹25,000 — a sensible choice for a beginner who still wasn’t sure where this new obsession might lead.
But life, like golf, often surprises us at the most unexpected moments.
At this stage, I was still restricted to practise sessions at the Range. I needed to reach a handicap of 18 before being allowed onto the main course — a rule that felt both intimidating and motivating. The goal was clear. The journey had truly begun.
4. New Beginnings at FRIMA Golf Course
Six months later, fortune smiled upon me. A rare opportunity arose — membership at the FRIMA Golf Course was temporarily opened to Public Sector employees and retirees. Having served at Bharat Petroleum, I found myself eligible, and without wasting a moment, I applied. To my delight, I was accepted.
FRIMA Golf Course is jointly managed by the Indian Military Academy and the Forest Research Institute — institutions steeped in history, discipline and pride. Securing membership there felt like stepping into a world that had once seemed far beyond my reach.
With this new beginning, the first thing I did was return Colonel Pant’s golf clubs with deep gratitude. Now that I was officially a golfer-in-the-making, I decided it was time to own a set of my own. Initially, I considered buying a second-hand kit for about ₹25,000 — a sensible option for a relatively new enthusiast still learning the rhythm of the game.
Even with my membership, the rules remained strict. I was permitted only to practise at the Range, and I had to achieve a handicap of 18 before being allowed onto the main course. It felt like standing at the foothill of a mountain — but one I was eager to climb. For the first time in years, I had found a passion that pushed me forward, giving my days a new sense of purpose.
5. From Dreams to Drives: Golf Becomes a Way of Life
I poured my heart into learning the game, spending countless hours trying to master the fundamentals. I familiarised myself with the different types of clubs, studied the subtleties of the greens, understood the significance of the tee-off point, and taught myself the meanings of terms such as par and birdie. My evenings were spent watching golf tutorials on YouTube, absorbing every tip, technique and insight I could find. Slowly, instinct began to replace uncertainty.
After nearly three months of persistent effort, I achieved what had once felt like a distant milestone — a handicap of 18. It was a moment of quiet triumph, a sign that I had crossed the first major threshold of my golfing journey. The next challenge, however, was finding a group of four golfers to play with, as the course rules required.
Fortunately, I was welcomed into a wonderful foursome comprising Colonel Nautiyal, Colonel Datt and Captain Rawat. With an average age of sixty-two, my seventy-three years gracefully brought the group’s average up — a fact we often joked about. Their encouragement, discipline and camaraderie accelerated my progress more than any training video ever could. Although I haven’t checked my handicap in a while, I suspect it now hovers around fifteen.
What had once seemed like an unattainable dream had become an inseparable part of my daily life. Golf was no longer a distant fascination; it had quietly grown into a passion that shaped my mornings, conversations and routines.
Seeing the joy and zest the game brought me, my family joined the journey in their own way. They began gifting me golf-related accessories — T-shirts, shoes, stylish sunglasses, belts, caps and a host of thoughtful items that made both the game and the learning process even more enjoyable.
6. Conclusion
Looking back, it amazes me how a chance encounter with a golf course in Coorg could reshape the rhythm of my life. What began as a moment of distraction during a period of deep personal loss slowly evolved into a passion that brought purpose, discipline and joy back into my days. Golf taught me patience, resilience, and the quiet art of beginning again — no matter one’s age or circumstances. From practising at the Range in Dehradun to finding companionship in my foursome, every step has felt like a small victory against time and doubt. Today, golf is not just a sport I play; it is a reminder that life always has room for new beginnings, new friendships and new dreams — even at seventy-two. And for that, I remain grateful.
Absolutely. Age is never a barrier to learning golf. The sport focuses more on technique, posture and discipline than physical strength. I began at seventy-two, and the experience has been immensely rewarding both mentally and physically.
Currently there are 4 Golf Courses in Dehradun:
- FRIMA Golf Course
- Army Mountain View Golf Couse – Commonly known as DSOI Golf Couse
- Air Force Golf Course, Clementown
- Pacific Golf Couse, Sahastra Dhara Road
- Another 18 holes Golf Course is being built by a private party near Village Paundha
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Beginners can start with a second-hand set of clubs and affordable practice sessions at a driving range. Memberships and equipment can be upgraded later as interest grows.
Basic fitness helps, but golf is gentle enough for most seniors. Regular practice naturally builds stamina, balance and flexibility. Starting slow and gradually improving is the best approach.
This depends on the rules of the particular club. In my case, I had to achieve a handicap of 18 before I was allowed to play on the course. With consistent practice, I reached this level in about three months.
Extremely important. Having a supportive group or mentor helps improve technique, discipline and confidence. My own progress accelerated with the encouragement of my golf group — Col. Nautiyal, Col. Datt and Captain Rawat.
Yes, very much. Golf offers routine, purpose and social interaction. It also provides calm, focus and time in nature — all invaluable after retirement or during emotionally difficult phases.
Standing on the greens in Coorg felt transformative. The landscape, the quiet beauty of the course, and the aura of the game awakened a desire I didn’t know I carried. That moment changed everything.
Start with curiosity, not pressure. Practise consistently, learn the basics, and don’t worry about perfection. Celebrate small improvements and enjoy the journey — that’s where the real joy lies.
