Firhad Hakim to inaugurate golf course

State Urban Development minister Firhad Hakim will open a golf course at Eco Park during a function on July 4.

This is the first golf course belonging to the state government and the only one outside Kolkata.

The course has been set up by Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) and has come up at Eco Park near Harinalaya.

Kolkata's Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) is the country's first golf course. Tolly Club also has a golf course while there's a women's golf club at Maidan opposite Fort William.

Golf is no longer a game for the elderly who play it for pleasure, but it is the current fad among the youth.

HIDCO's main purpose to open the golf course is to give opportunity to young people who cannot afford to join big clubs because of hefty membership fees to play the game.

Hakim will inaugurate the 12 driving bay at 5 pm. It is free for the members of Eco Park, New Town Business Club and the casual workers have to pay Rs 500 for 3 hours.

The course will remain open from 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 6.30 pm. There will be personal trainers. Golf balls will be available at Rs 100 for 50 balls. The golf course will finally be set up on 10 acre of land with 9 holes and three par course.

A golf expert has been consulted by HIDCO who has agreed to provide all sorts of assistance regarding the same.

HIDCO officials expect in future many young golfers will emerge from New Town.