The central government's vacation notice to the Delhi Gymkhana Club and increased scrutiny of elite clubs occupying prime government land have sparked discussions among members of the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) as well. Previously, the Centre had served vacation notices to the Polo Club and the Delhi Race Club, both located near the Prime Minister's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg.
Lease Extension and Ongoing Concerns
Although the Centre extended DGC's lease until 2050 last year, questions persist regarding lengthy membership waiting periods, public access, centuries-old heritage structures, and the preservation of forest cover. Spread across nearly 179 acres in central Delhi, DGC has approximately 5,400 permanent members. The premises house 9 to 10 Tughlaq and Lodhi-era monuments, and nearly 50 percent of the area is forest cover. It features the 18-hole Lodhi Course, part of the Asian PGA Tour, and the 9-hole Peacock Course.
Legal and Conservation Issues
Like many similar clubs, DGC is no stranger to litigation concerning taxes, employee termination, and membership. Just this month, the Supreme Court warned of criminal action against New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) officials over delays in conserving heritage structures on the premises.
Relevance and Contributions
DGC captain Vikram Sethi stated that at a time when Delhi is struggling with shrinking green cover and the government is focusing on green spaces, it would be unwise to eliminate a place with such a long history. He noted that construction within the premises is limited to just 0.52 acres, with the rest being green cover. The club has contributed to Delhi's reputation for decades and continues to host prestigious national and international events, including the DP World Tournament, which attracts leading golfers from around the world.
One reason for extending the club's lease was its promise to upgrade the facility to international standards, especially since golf became part of the Olympics in 2016, as the housing and urban affairs ministry informed Lok Sabha last year. A member speaking to TOI on Monday said efforts are underway, with work progressing on the practice driving range after substantial investment, expected to be completed by May-end. In 2019, the 18-hole course was revamped.
Heritage Conservation Efforts
Responding to concerns about heritage monument conservation, Sethi said the Aga Khan Trust for Culture has already carried out restoration work at four to five sites, with work at other locations in progress. The site was visited by a Supreme Court-appointed commissioner. Regarding access to the monuments, even members are usually not allowed near them.
Accessibility and Membership
Concerns go beyond heritage structures and green cover. Public accessibility has been central to decades-long conversations about the club's functioning. DGC maintains that it nurtures upcoming talent. Members said the club runs junior training programs in which around 200 children have participated so far. The economically weaker section category is promoted under the Junior Play Programme. One caddie's son is set to represent the country at the British Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool. Members are also preparing for the Asian Games and Olympic events, said former club captain Major General (Retd) KMS Shergill.
Regarding the decades-long waiting period for regular membership, office-bearers said the timeline varies by category. The process is relatively faster in the government officers' category compared to the Indian business category. The club has limited scope for expansion given its size, which is why conditions such as being a golfer have been laid down for membership. Ideally, the city should have more such golfing facilities, Sethi added.
Alternative Golf Courses
The Delhi Development Authority operates three golf courses: the Dwarka Golf Course, the DDA Lake View Golf Course in Bhalswa, and the Qutab Golf Course on Press Enclave Road in Saket.
Comparison with Other Clubs
When asked about the vacation notice served to Delhi Gymkhana Club, members said the two cannot be compared. Sethi noted that over 50 percent of DGC's area is under forest cover, and it is among the shortest golf courses in the country, managing within available space.
Future Accessibility
AK Jain, DDA's former planning commissioner, said having mixed use can be tricky. Permitting land use change would open a Pandora's box, as DGC is part of the Lutyens Delhi bungalow zone and considered a heritage property. He maintained that access and regulation are subjective issues based on the nature of the property.
