On Sunday 24th November 2013, the Melbourne Airport Golf Club (MAGC) hosted ninth edition of the Indian Open this year which showcased the talent of around 120 players from all backgrounds and had a special guest pro golfer Craig Spence; PGA Tour of Australasia winner of 1999 Ericsson Australian Masters.

Incidentally Melbourne Airport Golf Club (MAGC) hosted its first Indian Open in 2005 on a relatively small scale. Due to its immense popularity it went on to become an annual tournament. Conducted by the club, The Open takes place thanks to the efforts of the dedicated members and sponsors.

“With a member base that has such diverse ethnic backgrounds, Melbourne Airport Golf Club (MAGC) believes in an integrating multicultural approach to our membership base, which clearly opened the doors to the new opportunities. “We have members from South and South East Asian, Australian, Fijian and European backgrounds which is just fantastic!” extrapolates Club President Ravin Narayan.

Ravin took over as the President 7 years ago and is  still the only Indian president of all golf clubs in Victoria. The members of Melbourne Airport Golf Club (MAGC) had a great faith in Ravin and as result been elected unopposed in last 3 elections and has since changed the fortunes of the MAGC which was struggling when he took over.

The Indian Open catered to golf players with a plethora of skill levels. The participants in the Indian open were grouped into 5 grades. First 4 Grades depend on their handicaps. The last group was made of players who play on social basis. “We encourage players with keen interest and thos who want to learn to play and be part of the Indian open. “This is certainly not a casual golf day by any means. There are very serious golfers playing”, explains Ravin about the Indian Open, the event is also endorsed by the Victorian Golf Association.  We hope to get more Indian people involved.

Also many special thanks to Anand Chukka (CEO, Vit Events) who has supported and co-ordinated the event since 2 years along with Ravin Narayan and both are looking forward to the next year which will be celebrating 10 years and a major surprise is in store for all the players and professionals here in Melbourne, Australia.  A special Thanks to OSM Group for their continued valued support & to our media sponsor ‘Indus Age’ for supporting and spreading the event message to all its readers and community.

About the Club:

Located just 25 minutes’ drive from Melbourne CBD and adjacent to Melbourne Airport’s North/South runway, the Melbourne Airport Golf Club is a par-70, 6000m, 18-hole course with water features, 37 bunkers and elevated greens.

The feature hole is the 16th, with a green location that places players less than 60 metres below the flight paths of aircraft, including the daily flights of A-380’s.

The Melbourne Airport Golf Club features a fully equipped pro shop, licensed club house and practice nets, fairway and putting green.

Club Contact Details:

Melbourne Airport Golf Club

Operations Road, Tullamarine, Vic – 3045

Office : (03) 9338 4595

Proshop: (03) 9338 4303

Email: melbairportgolfclub@bigpond.com

Website: http://melbourneairportgolfclub.com.au

For more information regarding the tournament; please contact:

Ravin Narayan (0425 804 045) or Anand Chukka (0413 250 110)

I know there are many Indian and Asian clubs set up that play on social basis. All I am doing is trying to get these groups together once a year to play together.

Ravi Narayan, (MAGC President)