Golf development in India is to be strengthened by the creation of a series of Firstgolf training centres across the country.

Firstgolf is an access programme involving the creation of simple, compact golf facilities, devised by British architect Howard Swan and Gill Wilson, the former deputy chief executive of the Ladies European tour. Working in close collaboration with the Indian government, Firstgolf facilities will be created across the country, with the initial centre due to start construction in Bangalore during November. A second will follow immediately at Kolar Gold Fields, an hour to the east of the Karnataka state capital.

Each project will feature a three hole course with three tees on each hole, a putting green and separate putting course, a chipping and bunker academy and a pavilion. The golf facilities will be accompanied by a machinery workshop and a horticultural/turf nursery.

Firstgolf says the Indian government is contemplating up to 600 of these centres across the country. The first two facilities will be launched during a conference on vocational training in Bangalore.