Toys for the rich guys

Play a perfect game with gold-plated clubs

Checkmate with an antique chessboard

From optigolf to pure gold irons and from antique chess boards to divine pianos, the super rich have their own stress-busting toys, writes Nutan Sehgal

Ever wondered what kind of games the super rich play? No, not the boardroom types played out in the corporate world. But the real ones for unwinding and relaxation.

Remember, the rules are different where tycoons are concerned. That’s because they do not just play games but like to do so with panache and flamboyance. Not for them the ordinary putters and irons or the mundane 32-piece chess board. They seek the higher pleasures that spell style and attitude. In fact a number of gaming companies are tapping this niche market and pandering to their whims and fancies.

Whether it is teeing off in virtual space or even checkmating an opponent in chess, the bottomline is how much money you can burn for fun and games.

Take optigolf, for example. Too lazy to take a drive to a far away fairway? If you have around Rs 2 lakh to blow away, you can simply step out of bed and walk to St Andrews in Scotland or Pebble Beach in California—two of the best golfing resorts of the world.

Yes, this is not a dream. A number of companies like Pro Shot, Golden Bear and Pro Swing will put a virtual golf simulator in your room which offers a choice of playing on some the best courses in the world on a giant screen with the help of an interactive computer.

Simply identify the hole, then swing your club and let the computer take over. Within seconds, sensors measure the movement of your ball accurately. The virtual environment creates the action in full colour just the way it is on the actual golf course.

But if you like real golf and have the money to match your style then ordinary irons just won’t do. There are sports companies that will make special swings for you to make a statement about your social status.

How about the Honma Golf Set? In this stunning set you have the liberty to choose the head shape, the shaft, the grip and, hold your breath, how much 24k gold and 100 per cent pure platinum plating you desire for each club! These Japanese sets are created to the exact length and weight that you wish. You can even go as far as to have your initials engraved on
each club.

So go ahead play the most expensive game in the world—in more ways than one as the set of 14 clubs would set you back by around Rs 20 lakh.

However, if you are not the sporty type and prefer a quiet game of chess with a friend, here’s an idea that would give you both immense pleasure and reflect your refined taste.

Never go for a regular chessboard that anyone can buy. Be the king of kings in this game. It will cost you a small fortune (Rs 2 lakh) but owning one of the Walrus Carved Figural Chess Set will put you in a class of your own.

The original sets that were manufactured in England in the 10th century may just have a few museum pieces left. But there are great replicas being produced in very limited editions. So if you have some serious money in your pocket and are keen on chess get hold of a Walrus and checkmate all your business rivals.

If chess leaves you too exhausted to follow a boring fitness regimen step on the PC Gamer Bike. The 3-D stationary bike will pep up your workout. Simply plug it into a USB port on your game system or PC and utilise the pedals to move forward or backwards while playing a video game. The Rs 1.5 lakh bike can be customised to your athletic ability. Even as you indulge in your fun and games, the bike does serious business—it helps you lose calories. It keeps track of the fat burned, distance, speed, and will keep a daily graph.

So go ahead, indulge in your wildest fancies as you unwind. And whoever cared about the money. Here only style matters. — NF