Golfers accuse DGC of discrimination, say not allowed to practice without hindrance

With practice becoming an "ordeal", two-time Asian champion Rashid Khan Thursday accused the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) of discrimination, which, he said, was ruining careers of golfers coming from humble backgrounds.

In 2012, he said the DGC stopped allowing caddie-turned-players from practising at the course, one of India's most iconic and which is located at the heart of Lutyens' Delhi.

"This is not happening with golfers from other sections (well-to-do families). They don't want us to play. According to them (club committee) I am only allowed to practice from 4.45 in the evening in winter, how can I practice 18 holes which requires five hours," Rashid told reporters.

The 2010 Asian Games silver-medallist added, "I can't eat there, I can't use the pool, I can't use the annexure. It is affecting my golf and affecting me mentally."
"Another thing is that, we want the DGC to allow the players to practice without hindrance. Time slotting in a fixed manner in the 18 hole course."
Sharma added, "When the golfers agitated, they stopped them from entering the premises of the gold club."