Now, pro golfers can contest Chandigarh Golf Club elections

Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 12

In a major development, the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) has done away with its two-decade-old law which barred professional golfers, who are its permanent members, from contesting the management elections.

As per Rule 45(H) of the CGC’s constitution, permanent members, who turn professionals, were not allowed to contest the elections. However, at the recently held annual general meeting, the particular rule was rescinded to make way for professionals, who are permanent members of the club, to contest the management elections.

A few years ago, a PIL, signed by the likes of professionals Jeev Milkha Singh, Gursimran Sethi and Harmeet Kahlon, was also moved in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, it will be now withdrawn within a week. “The management has revoked the rule. A unanimous decision was taken by House for the development of the club. Professionals, who are permanent members and fulfil other criteria, can contest the elections. Earlier, they were only allowed to vote,” said Dr GS Kochhar, vice-president and chairman (media and publicity), CGC.

There are over 25 professional golfers registered with the CGC and at least 15 are its permanent members. As many as 1,800 members have the voting right. Permanent members can contest the elections for a regular term of five years.

“Rule 45(h) stands rescinded, thanks to unanimous vote and support of all permanent members at the annual general meeting. This amendment now gives every permanent member the right to contest the club elections for management as well as grants the permanent members more options to choose from. This decision will go a long way in the further growth of our institute” said Sethi, a professional golfer.

As per the CGC’s constitution, a 3/4th majority of permanent members, which is nearly 135, are required to support the revocation of any rule. Sources claimed that the revocation of this law was delayed by a few years due to incomplete quorum. “We welcome this decision of allowing permanent members of professionals’ category to contest the CGC elections. This will help the club to achieve new heights and to develop golf amid experienced and expert opinions of professionals,” said Harmeet Kahlon, an Arjuna Award recipient and Asian Tour winner.

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