SAFGR Nepali New Year Tournament 2023 successfully held

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The South Asian Fellowship of Golfing Rotarians SAFGR Nepali New Year Tournament 2023 3rd Edition was successfully held in Kathmandu from 12 to 15 April 2023. Golfers and their spouses from Nepal, India and Bangladesh enjoyed a fun filled and packed schedule that included golfing, sightseeing tours and fellowship evenings.

Rtn Parag Sheth, President, SAFGR and Rtn Purna Man Sakya, Event Chair SAFGR Nepal Chapter and RC Himalayan Golfers Rtn Bhai Raja Panday took pains to put together the event for all to enjoy one of South Asia’s finest golf courses. This year was extra special with the event that coincided with the Nepali New Year celebrations on 14th April the tournament date. 

The kick off was a Welcome Gala Dinner Charity Event on 12th April at the Royal  Palace Banquet to raise funds for "Smokeless Kitchens".  An initiative of RC Himalayan Golfers, RC Kantipur, RC Kathmandu Metro, Sharada Huttaram Baidya Foundation and Support Nepal Foundation Awasuka Program.  The evening will feature music by The Jung Trio  & Monnie, Fashion Show, Dance by Bhimphedi Guys and a Banquet's Special.  

The Gokarna Forest Golf Course hosted the 2 days feast for golfers stunningly set within 470 acres of the centuries old Gokarna Forest Reserve that is an oasis for golfers from around the world. Spread over 140 acres at 4,550 ft. above sea level, the 6,755-yard par 72 course boasts of the only bent grass greens on an 18-hole course in South and South East Asia.  Participants were also offered option to stay at Hyatt Regency a 15 minutes drive from the course.

Sanjeev Tiwari was the overall winner of this year's tournament played under stableford 3/4 handicap format.  Tiwari accummulated 36 points to finish pip ahead of AIG (Retd.) Hari Bahadur Pal who finished 2nd with 35 points. Rita Gurung (34 points) and Ranu Baniya (29 points) claimed the top two spots in the women's category.  Admiral Ravi Gaikwad (32 points) and JP Tiwari (29 points) came 1st and 2nd respectively in the Guests Section. 

Phintso Ongdi Lama bagged the most birdies award with two birdies, while Gopal Chitrakar and Damodar Khadka won the straightest drive and close-to-the-pin awards respectively.   In all, 69 golfers took part in the tournament.

Popular Pre and Post packages were offered to participants by Asian Bhrikuti Holidays to the idyllic Pokhara city renowned for its Himalayan views and azure Phewa Lake and visits to Chitwan National Park and the close get away to nearby Nagarkot mountain resorts.

Book your next golfing holiday with your family and enjoy!