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Golden Swan Golf Academy- Review

As you might have read in my previous blog posts how I was always interested in the game of Golf, but unfortunately did not know where to start. Living in Mumbai well has it's pros and cons. Real estate in Mumbai comes at a very high premium due to lack of space. So as far as golf is concerned, there aren't too many options, be it courses or ranges. 
Enter, Golden Swan Golf Academy. While searching online I discovered Golden Swan and decided to call them. Living in the western suburbs of Mumbai and Golden Swan located in Thane, it was not the ideal location for me with regards to the commute but then as I mentioned earlier there weren't too many other options for me to go by. I contacted Mr. Ashok Kalarikal who manages the academy out there. After a short discussion he invited me to come over and try out the facility for myself. 
Golden Swan Country Club
Already having had some experience at a couple of golf ranges in Dubai and Singapore, I knew what to expect. But believe me when I say this, I did not expect what I saw! The Golden Swan Golf Academy is part of the Golden Swan Country Club, which is spread over 26 acres of greenery in the midst of the beautiful Yeoor Hills situated at 1300 ft above sea level. I was truly mesmerized by the beauty of the place. Clean fresh air to breathe, something you don't get in Mumbai city. Instant rejuvenation!!
Golf Range at Golden Swan Golf Academy 
So coming back to the Golf Academy, the range has about 9 mats and about 100 yards long. They provide clubs for beginners at the Academy, so you don't need to buy expensive clubs right away. The most important part of the Academy are the coaches and the gentlemen at Golden Swan don't disappoint. Mr Manohar, Mr Magan, Mr Pravin and Mr Nikhil were the coaches I learn't from. These guys were patient and helped me get the basics right. The importance of posture and stance and the swing itself is what they focus on. Within a few sessions I was swinging the club like a golfer. Slowly and steadily with their help over the next three to four months I was able to strike the ball well. Pitching, chipping, putting and also bunker play is taught. 
With Mr Benny D'costa
And add to it the once a month sessions with Mr Benny D'costa (Class A coach), one of the most reputed and revered coaches in India, helped further fine tune my swing. His tips and corrective measures that he suggested, I still use in my play. 

With Mr Benny D'costa
Further, the Golden Swan Country Club has a 9 hole golf course. All Par 3 holes, it is more like a pitch and putt course, but is definitely quite challenging. A great course to perfect your short game. Another great feature of the Academy is that they organize a monthly tournament for the students. It's a simple format of events like closet to the pin, closest putt to the hole, closest to the hole out of the bunker, chipping, pitching, etc. It's a great way to encourage young and aspiring golfers with prizes and bragging rights on the line for the competitive ones. 
Golf Academy Tournament winners
I highly recommend the Golden Swan Golf Academy if you are living in Mumbai and want to give the sport of golf a try. I'm for sure thankful to these guys for giving me the opportunity to enter the world of golf and meet some fantastic people along the way. And as I always say about Golden Swan Golf Academy, "Come for Golf, stay for mother Nature!"
Tee-offs from the Holes 1 to 9 at Golden Swan
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