NEW DELHI: In a first of its kind concept in the corporate golf segment that aims to ensure a more effective merger between business and sport, an initiative called “Corporate Golf Rankings” (CGR) was launched here Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Suneal Mangal, who is the brains behind this unique project developed and fine-tuned over a period of two decades, said, “CGR has embarked upon a plan to create a worldwide network of corporate golfers to facilitate networking, recognition and celebration of the premium and affluent segment that constitutes the golfing community.”
He added that the initiative also lends itself to up-selling opportunities for luxury brands, high end hospitality services and content for media houses.
CGR is being launched first in India, with plans to take it across the world in 18 countries. Mangal said that he had roped in IMG Reliance to conduct a preliminary survey and it had been decided that a base for this initiative would first be made in India, and then, depending on its success, would be taken across the world to 18 countries, ANI reports.
This network will have 11,000 members by invitation only, reaching out to 200 golf clubs and more than 300 corporate houses, he said.
Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO, YES Bank, was the first member to sign up, alongside Kushagr Ansal (CEO, Ansal Housing), Rajeev Talwar (CEO, DLF) and Pranav Roach (Hughes Network Systems) as the others inducted as the first active members of CGR.
The event also saw the launch of www.worldcgr.com, a web-based ranking system for corporates that factors in a person’s designation, percentage increase in company’s net worth, market capitalisation and performance in CGR Golf tournaments.
Commenting on the initiative, Ansal said, “A true corporate golfer in the real sense is a person who not only plays good golf but also runs and manages his company well. There is a great sense of satisfaction in promoting these aspects that generally do not get promoted.”
Golf equipment company Callaway is a partner in the initiative. Each CGR member will get discount vouchers multiple times throughout the year along with special vouchers.
The top 60 corporate golfers from the 30 categories who qualify for the grand finale to be held in Goa in April this year will get a Callaway golf bag, as well as special discount vouchers from Callaway (valid for a year).
The top three finishers in the grand finale will receive prizes from a theme of ‘what money can’t buy’, ANI reports.
“Golf has long been the game of corporate and business people. This isn’t about being elitist, it’s about creating a membership that shares common values and interests, and at the same time provide an engaging golfing and networking platform for all stakeholders – members and sponsors alike. We are excited to partner with CGR on this innovative initiative which helps us reaching our customers directly,” said Prashant Singh, general manager, Callaway Golf India.
Mangal noted: “CGR has embarked upon the plan to create a worldwide network of corporate golfers to facilitate networking, recognition & celebration of the premium and affluent segment that constitutes the golfing community, lends itself to up-selling opportunities for luxury brands, high end hospitality services and content for media houses through this first of its kind concept in corporate golf globally. The whole idea behind this is to create a network of corporate golfers. It’s a first of its kind endeavour in corporate golf and we hope to make this a success in India and take it across the world.”
Major general Bhushan, DG, Indian Golf Union, said: “Any good initiative in golf will be supported by us. This is a unique initiative. All the amateurs playing golf in the country, come under the umbrella of IGU.”
Rajiv Hora, secretary, Delhi Golf Club, added, “This has been Suneal’s dream for 15-20 years. I have been involved in this dream of his by over 12 years or so. We hope to take this forward, and wish all the best to Suneal.”
Auditing-cum professional service company KPMG has committed to be a part of the project for three years.
CGR will feature a golf tournament and fourball parties in Delhi, Mumbai and other metros culminating into a grand finale wherein the top 60 golfers will play over three days.
