Golf is now being taken so seriously that CEOs of top companies are virtually lining up to take lessons on how to ``master the swing''. The day is not far when the game will become an integral part of business studies.Golf is relatively a new entrant in Indian corporate circles. But within a short span of time, the game has generated much enthusiasm among amateur golfers and corporate professionals in the country. There is now a strong-felt desire among this group to take golf lessons. However, there are notmany places in the country where one can pick up golf lessons of international class. So, when an internationally-acclaimed golf instructor plans a clinic here, the response is just overwhelming. Mark Reid, golf instructor with the world-renowned David Leadbetter Golf Academy (GLCA), testifies to this.

Reid was in Delhi recently to conduct a golf clinic for CEOs of top companies, celebrities, golf instructors and professionals in India. The two-day training programme was organised by Royal Challenger in association with DLGA, at the Classic Golf Resort, Gurgaon. ``Participants here are ever willing to learn. Moreover, the number of people who turn up for the clinics are invariably double the number that was planned. Further, the most interesting fact that I have observed here is that there is always a large gathering of non-participants at these outings. They all seem to take keen interest in the game,'' avers Reid.

Reid firmly believes that a game of golf can easily help you assess the people with whomyou are playing. ``You can judge by the particular mannerisms and style of each individual, that is, who is willing to stay there and learn the game and who is adept at taking short cuts.''However, the DLGA clinic isn't meant for building inter-personal relations alone. These clinics ``provide participants with an insight into the techniques that have worked worldwide''.

Short-duration programmes like these have benefited both enthusiasts and professionals. But to sustain interest over a long period, there is a need to set up a golf academy in the country. Reid says that DLGA is considering the idea. ``The academy needs to be located in a hotel environment or at a leisure retreat. We are scouting for a suitable partner in this enterprise. Some 56 golf courses in India are being surveyed for the purpose. I have also visited some of the golf courses to assess the facilities meant for the academy,'' says he.

DLGA has set up 15 academies in Europe, Asia and the US. The academies are open to people of any ageand ability. David Leadbetter, the founder, is recognised as the best golf instructor in the world. His teaching philosophies have shaped the careers of greats like Nick Faldo, David Frost, Bernard Langer, Ernie Els, Nick Price and others. However, Leadbetter and his team of instructors have not limited the training programme to only top professionals. ``At DLGA, top professionals to high and low handicap amateur golfers and complete beginners can learn the essentials and further their golf game,'' says Reid.

DLGA has some of the finest teaching professionals in the world. ``All Leadbetter pros are intensively trained for six to 12 months in the certification programme,'' he adds.

``A handicap of 3-4, deep knowledge of the golf swing, excellent communication skills, and patience are the key essentials seen in an instructor,'' says he.

The DLGA instructional programmes are highly innovative and ``geared towards helping golfers improve while finding the whole process educational and enjoyable''. Theprogramme encompasses a certain amount of tradition analysis. Further, ``the computer coach system is an integral part of the DLGA teaching as this allows instructors to video the students' swing, digitise it onto a computer and then perform a highly detailed and intricate analysis.''

The analysis can also include a direct, on-screen comparison of the student's swing with a world-class tour professional. The video of each lesson is then available for students on take-home cassettes for future reference.

DLGA offers a holistic training package encompassing technical, physical, nutritional and mental instruction. Psychological golf instruction is also an integral part of the DLGA service. This addresses a student's general attitude to the game as well as the more specific psychological techniques that can be used to enhance performance.

Reid reveals that he receives regular invitations to conduct clinics in India, not only from corporate bodies, but also from individuals. ``There is this retail jewellerwho has invited me to conduct a programme for his son and friends. This was meant to be a gift for his friends on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday,'' says he.

With the entry of multinational companies in India, golf is certain to enter the portals of business affairs in the country. ``For instance,'' says Reid, ``many Japanese corporate professionals insist on meeting business partners at the golf course. They play golf during the day and discuss the finer aspects of business later in the day,''

``That's one of the best ways of getting a Japanese businessman to formally complete a contract,'' he adds. ``The Japanese passion for golf is such that some of them are believed to have sent golf kits to their overseas business partners to facilitate a game of golf whenever the partners were to meet.''It emerges that to do international business, one will not only have to shore up one's management techniques, but also ``master the swing''. Golf is here to stay.