Golf Design India is progressing with redevelopment of the practice facilities at Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi, India.

The firm is redeveloping the club’s short game area that is used for conducting junior training programs, and the driving range.

“This short game practice facility is critical for the club as it is used for conducting junior training programs for kids – especially during the summer months – corporate programs, as well as being used by members and professional golfers to work on their short game,” said Vijit Nandrajog, principal Architect at Golf Design India. “The facility had been worn out due to heavy golfer traffic and extensive use over the years, therefore the club engaged GDI to redevelop the facility.”

The brief given to GDI was to create a comprehensive short game facility that offers golfers the chance to practice an array of shots including short chips, long pitch shots, bunker play and putting.

“The design for the facility looks to create real golf course-like features and conditions and to give golfers the opportunity to learn and practice shots that they might face while playing the club’s eighteen-hole Lodhi course,” said Nandrajog. “The design for the facility includes two large greens, a practice bunker and the creation of undulating areas all around, to create varied lies and conditions for the golfers to practice from.”

Construction on the short game area began on 15 Feb and was expected to be completed by the end of March. However, after the area was shaped and ready – due to the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown in India – the turfing has been put on hold until the situation improves. The greens will be grassed with Tifdwarf, the surrounds with local bermuda and the shaded area with Zoysia. GDI will start work on the range once the short game area is complete.

Nandrajog said: “The existing driving range is to be completely ramped up with the creation of large sand-based hitting bays – for use by professional golfers at the club and during pro events – target greens & drainage facilities shall be improved and the re-turfing of the entire area shall also be done. The project also includes the installation of protective netting and poles, which has been done by another civil contractor hired by the club.”