RPS.  Having the chance to join the Golf Course in 1999 as horticulturist, I quickly realized that Golf as a sport, combined with nature, provided a very rewarding feeling with the daily activities of turfgrass management.

RPS.  When I left organic farming I moved to Royal Palms Golf & Country Club as horticulturist. I started looking after the Golf Course, among other duties. It was not a difficult adjustment for me with my agriculture/horticulture post graduate & doctorate schooling. Turf management became an interesting focus for me.

RPS.  I have attended most of the seminars conducted in India by Golf Organizations like IGU, GCSMAI & IGA in the past decade.

RPS.  Limited resources and changing management. The biggest challenge is to maintain and keep the Golf Course in pristine condition throughout the year, irrespective of extreme weather or amount of play. As a Golf Course Superintendent, challenges are complex in nature, rather than singular. This then requires you to excel not as an individual but in multitude of roles, such as Agronomist, Irrigation Technician & Specialist, Equipment Technician, Environmentalist, Turf Protection Specialist, Soil Science Expert, Electrician, Weather Forecaster, Human Resources Manager, Public Speaker, Motivator and Communications Manager.

RPS.  I keep myself up to date by reading turf maintenance related books, sharing/discussing with peers in the industry, local and international green keepers, experts & consultants in various fields and attending turf related seminars. Along with this, I listen to feedback and issues of members and staff on a daily basis.

RPS.  I always welcome complaints/suggestions and handle them positively and diplomatically. Tee markers & pin positions are always placed as per standard procedures, usually refreshed every two years by the greens committee. Tournament managers usually specify tee and cup locations for individual events. Consistency and quality are important keys for tee and cup locations.

RPS.   It is a natural habitat for flora and fauna, oxygen generator and air purifier for the city, open and porous space for reclaiming rain water. If managed properly, Golf Courses are a positive environmental boost to the quality of life both on and near the Golf Course.

RPS.   We have bio-treatment plant, coupled with various stages of physical water filtration and treatment, to reclaim the sewage water for our agricultural use. This process uses water that would remain untreated.

RPS.  Providing a well maintained clean setup on a daily basis is always a good feeling. Enjoying nature has a positive impact on my happiness and am able to manage stress easily under these conditions.

RPS. Yes, definitely. It is more of my life’s passion now rather than merely a job or work.

RPS.  Be real. Share true information. Deal with issues quickly rather than delay.