GOLF FOR GOOD: SWINGING TOWARDS LITERACY
This year the Club hosted 2 golf tournaments to support Adult Literacy. Held over the weekend of the 11th and 12 of January, the events brought together golf enthusiasts and philanthropists to champion our cause. These tournaments — the Anand Rathi Wealth Rotary Golf Classic and the Phillip Capital Rotary Golf Challenge — showcased the perfect blend of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to making a difference.
ANAND RATHI WEALTH ROTARY GOLF CLASSIC, 2025
Held on January 11th at the picturesque Oxford Golf Resort, Pune, this tournament kicked off with participants arriving the previous afternoon to practice at the driving and putting range. The evening saw a lively poolside dinner accompanied by soulful live music, setting the tone for an exciting tournament day.
On Saturday morning, the action began with breakfast, followed by detailed instructions at the Tiger Tee, courtesy of Convenor Rtn. Hiranmay (Moy) Biswas. The shotgunformat tournament teed off at 7:30 am, with players navigating the lush greens in friendly competition. The day concluded with cocktails, a gala lunch, live music at the Ballroom, and a prize distribution ceremony. Winners for the Classic included:
• Winner: Mr. Rohit Bhatia
• Runner-up: Mr. Sanjay Jhawar
• Closest to the Pin (Hole No. 3): Mr. Vinit Patel
• Longest Drive (Hole No. 16): Mr. Ishan Bhatnagar Trophy winners received accolades, and luxury stays at premier hotels in Goa and Pune, ensuring their efforts on the course were well-rewarded.
PHILLIP CAPITAL ROTARY GOLF CHALLENGE, 2025
The following day, the Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai hosted the Phillip Capital Rotary Golf Challenge. Participants gathered early, fuelled by a sumptuous breakfast, before honing their skills at the driving range. Convenor Rtn. Moy Biswas provided a detailed briefing at the Cabbage Patch Tee before the 9:00 am start.
Players competed with gusto until the tournament wrapped up by mid-afternoon, followed by a gala lunch, cocktails, and a lively awards ceremony. A DJ and saxophonist provided vibrant entertainment, ensuring the event ended on a high note.
Winners for the Challenge included: • Winner: Mr. Shashi Kapoor • Runner-up: Mr. Rajiv Srivastava • Closest to the Pin (Hole No. 6): Mr. Kailash Monga • Longest Drive (Hole No. 1): Mr. Aryaman Himatsingka Luxury stays in Mumbai, Goa, and Pune were among the prizes, presented by President Satyan Israni and Rtn. Moy Biswas. Celebrating the Best Players Two special trophies honoured the overall best players across both tournaments: • Best Player: Rtn. Parag Seth • Second Best Player: Rtn. Gautam Doshi
A GRAND SUCCESS FOR LITERACY
Together, these tournaments raised over ₹1 crore to fund the Rotary Club of Bombay’s Adult Literacy initiatives, a testament to the unwavering support of participants and sponsors. Special thanks to title sponsors Anand Rathi Wealth and Phillip Capital for their generosity.
We thank the organising committee consisting of Chairman PDG Rtn. Sandip Agarwalla, Convenor Rtn. Hiranmay Biswas, Co-Convenor Rtn. Gautam Doshi, Rtn. Amay Merchant, Rtn. Nikhil Sanghai and PE Rtn. Bimal Mehta for doing a stupendous job in organising the event. Rtn. Pradeep Chinai and Rashmi Kotian from the Rotary Office along with her entire team as well as Freyan Bhathena whole heartedly supported the organising committee in making the event a grand success.
These tournaments beautifully embodied the Rotary spirit of combining leisure and giving, proving that every swing can make a difference. Here’s to more such impactful events!