Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said Gurgaon is emerging as one of the most favoured golf destination in India and has attracted about 30,000 golf tourists during last year.
Addressing a Golf Awards function, Hooda said the golf tourism in the state is increasing by 10 percent annually while adding that Haryana Tourism department has plans to promote the sport in a big way.
Top golfers from India and across the world were present at the event held here last evening.
Hooda said the 'corporate capital' hosting the first-ever India Golf Awards in the country was a matter of pride for the state.
"The modern way of life, the game of golf has caught fancy of many sections of the society. Now-a-days many people are exposed to stress related diseases like diabetes and hyper tension and the sport has acted as a stress buster," he said.
He said that his government has created infrastructure by way of building various golf courses over the years.
Citing example, the CM said that Panchkula golf course, a 9-hole course facility at Manesar, upgradation of the Aravali Golf Course which was designed by US based Golf Course designer Stephan Kay in 1960s in Faridabad and a course at Madhuban (Karnal) have made it possible for large number of citizens to take up the game.
Hooda presented Best Teaching Pro Awards to Jesse Grewal of Chandigarh and Nonita Lal. He also honoured Pawan Munjal, MD of HeroMotocorp for outstanding corporate contribution to golf.
Corporate players like Puneet Chaddha of HSBC, Aditya Khaitan of McLeod Russel and Vijay Chauhan of Parle were also awarded.
Papa CJ was given Best Comedy Golfer Award while Rashid Khan and Vani Kapoor were awarded with Best Upcoming Golfers Awards.
