Comprehensive Analysis of Golf Course Development and Golf Cart Acquisition: Government Procurement, Utilizations, and Varied Tender Offerings

Golf course represents a specialized facility designed for the sport of golf, typically comprising a series of holes with starting points, target areas, and putting greens. These courses vary in design, layout, and terrain, featuring challenges such as bunkers, water hazards, and rough areas. Maintaining and operating a golf course often involves government tenders for construction, landscaping, maintenance, and management services. Similarly, golf carts play a crucial role in golf course operations, providing efficient transportation for golfers and their equipment across the course. Government tenders involve the procurement, maintenance, and repair of golf carts to ensure the smooth functioning of golf facilities within government-owned properties or public recreational areas. Such tenders contribute to enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of golfing experiences for citizens and visitors alike.

 

This study analyzes the procurement of golf course works and golf carts by various government agencies and PSUs. Indian government agencies have jointly issued 300 golf course tenders in the past 12 months (from January 2023 to January 2024). Among these, Delhi issued 215 tenders, Haryana advertised 15 tenders, and Maharashtra published 12 tenders, securing the top position. These procurement opportunities span diverse sectors, covering, administration, tourism, defense, and infra and planning. A detailed breakdown of golf course work by category is provided below:

 

In the past year, a total of 115 government agencies published tenders for golf course maintenance projects. Notably, within the administration sector, entities such as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as prominent contributors, issued a total of 215 tenders to the repair and upkeep of golf courses. Furthermore, the DDA also tendered for projects related to the development of golf courses and golf facilities, encompassing tasks like maintaining lawns and green areas at golf courses. Additionally, maintenance initiatives extend to various sports complexes and golf courses, exemplified by projects like the annual repair and maintenance operations (ARMO) at the Rashtriya Swabhiman Khel Parisar in Pitampura for the year 2023-24. Activities here include providing and fixing rubberized flooring in multi-gyms, replacing wooden frames in skating rinks, and paving work. Similar maintenance endeavors are underway at other locations, such as the Maintenance and Operation (M/O) works at MDCSC for the year 2023-24. These encompass tasks like installing chain link fences along boundary walls and conducting sewage pipe work for toilet blocks, alongside miscellaneous repair tasks. 

 

The Agra Development Authority issued tenders for the operation of a golf course at Fatehpur Sikri, aimed at enhancing the convenience of tourists. Across India, there are a total of 430 golf courses, with tenders not limited to the construction and repair of golf courses, but also encompassing consulting and audit-related services. For instance, CPWD issued tenders for conducting audits at the Peacock Golf Course in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) released tenders for the development of feasibility reports, layouts, and detailed engineering for a mini-golf course in Chembur Colony, Mumbai Refinery. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) published tenders for the selection of a consultant to undertake market demand assessments and feasibility studies for the development of an international standard 18-hole golf course at Pachmarhi through private sector participation on a DBFOT basis, aimed at promoting tourism.

 

Apart from tenders related to golf course construction, maintenance, and services, there are various other tenders available. For instance, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) published a tender for afforestation, including the maintenance of a golf course at Amingaon Eco Park for 24 months. The Jammu and Kashmir Department of Tourism advertised tenders for providing and fixing ornamental fencing around a golf course, as well as for the face-lifting of the Club Building and allied areas for the G20 Summit at Royal Springs Golf Course, along with addressing urgent electrical requirements at Kashmir Golf Club. Additionally, the Haryana Board Corporation released tenders for the balance work of providing and fixing paver blocks in the parking area of the golf course in Sector 3, Panchkula. Central Public Works Department (CPWD) issued tenders for repair work at the fairways of Trivandrum Golf Course, Kowdiar, Trivandrum. 

 

As of January 28, 2024, there are 14 active golf course construction and maintenance tenders in India. In Delhi 6, there are 43% of tenders available, while Punjab, Haryana, and West Bengal collectively have 2 tenders, comprising 14% of the total. Additionally, there is 1 tender each in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, representing 7% of the total tenders.

 

Golf Cart

Golf carts utilized for various purposes such as maintenance and transportation within government-owned properties like parks, recreational areas, and large government complexes. They can also be used for official functions and events where efficient transportation of personnel and equipment is required, such as during inspections, security patrols, or facility maintenance. Additionally, in some cases, government agencies use golf carts for eco-friendly transportation options or to comply with accessibility requirements in public areas.

 

This report examines the acquisition of golf carts by governmental entities in India. Collectively, Indian government agencies issued 53 tenders for the procurement of golf carts, during 2023, for a multitude of purposes. The analysis highlights the notable involvement of Jammu and Kashmir (9 tenders), West Bengal (9 tenders), and Uttar Pradesh (6 tenders) in the procurement of golf carts.

 

Among the total of 53 tenders, approximately 80% are for the procurement of electric golf carts, serving the purpose of efficient and eco-friendly transportation within properties, while promoting accessibility and aligning with sustainability goals. These tenders also highlight the long-term cost savings associated with such initiatives and adopting green technology. For instance, Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority issued tenders for engaging an agency to supply electric golf carts in Vrindavan city, while the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu tendered for the procurement of e-golf carts for their pension-paying office. Similarly, the Department of Defence Production (DDP) released tenders for battery-operated four-seater golf carts, and the Uttar Pradesh Construction and Infrastructure Development Corporation (UPSCIDC) issued tenders for six-seater electric STD golf carts for tourist use at Bhim Rao Ambedkar Stadium in Lallpur, Varanasi. Additionally, tenders from entities like the Rajkot Municipal Corporation involve the supply and delivery of deep-cycle batteries for golf carts, along with buy-back options for old batteries. These initiatives go beyond mere procurement, as evidenced by tenders for the operation and maintenance of battery-operated golf carts at NSCBI Airport, Kolkata, by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Furthermore, Kota Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) released tenders for procuring, installing, implementing, and operating recreational boating and cruising activities, along with golf carts and tire-mounted trains, at Chambal Riverfront in Kota.

 

In addition to the previously mentioned initiatives, government agencies issued tenders for hiring golf carts. For instance, the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) released tenders for providing low-floor battery-operated golf carts on a hiring basis. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) also published tenders for the hiring of battery-operated 6-seater golf carts, along with operators on a round-the-clock basis at NSCBI Airport Kolkata. Furthermore, there were tenders for hiring golf carts and drivers advertised by institutions such as the Management Development Institute and the Department of Forests and Wildlife (DOFW) in Delhi.

 

As of January 28, 2024, India has five ongoing golf cart tenders. Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh each account for one tender, collectively representing 20% of the total tenders.

 

These extensive procurements clearly illustrate the diverse and widespread incorporation of golf course projects and golf cart usage across various government agencies in India. With a growing number of people embracing outdoor pursuits, the procurement for golf course development and the adoption of electric golf carts are becoming integral elements of recreational and transportation infrastructure. As technology progresses, we anticipate further advancements in course design, cart functionalities, and environmentally sustainable practices, making this sector a promising arena for expansion and progress. It is advisable for golf course developers and golf cart manufacturers and distributors to actively monitor golf tenders and engage proactively in them to capitalize on the advantages and sustainable business opportunities they present.