You know that feeling when people with a common interest meet after a long time and positivity, excitement and happiness flutter in the air? Such was the vibe at Marriott Bonvoy Golf Tournament 2022, being held at the new and stunningly beautiful JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa on March 30 where guests and Marriott Bonvoy members across the country came down to participate in the annual event that was taking place after two years after the pandemic-induced gap.
The tournament that kicked off in the morning on the lush green and perfectly manicured Prestige Golf Course was divided into two categories — A (01-18 handicap) and B (9-36 handicap).
“To be back amongst our guests and elite members after a duration that impacted all our lives. We had a full house. All our patrons showed up during this period, reaffirming our faith in the power of travel and for us beings to have an innate need to socialise...With Marriott Bonvoy, our travel programme, it is our constant endeavour to offer invaluable and exclusive Marriott Bonvoy moments and experiences to our guests. Through our association with ace golfer Shiv Kapur we were able to offer a golfing clinic to our members at our newest resort property, the beautiful JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, and at the same time invite some of our guests for a game of golf at the renowned Prestige Golfshire golf course. We are excited to be back hosting events and and look forward to curating many more experiences like these,” said Gaurav Singh, market vice-president, South & East India, Bangladesh and Sri lanka, Marriott International.
The star of the event was golf pro and Marriott Bonvoy ambassador Shiv Kapur who flew down for the event. “I am humbled and honoured to be a Marriott Bonvoy ambassador, I feel I am part of the family because our relationship goes back over a decade and so many familiar faces here. Marriott’s involvement in golf has been phenomenal and it’s so good to be back. To see people hang out without masks, interact in the golf course and indulge in the simple pleasures of life, life feels normal again. This is one of the most fun golf tournaments.... It was a very humbling experience for me today, to meet people who said I am a 24 handicap but they hit it closer to the hole... so it doesn’t make me feel very good about myself (laughs), but honestly it was great to see so much passion throughout the day from everyone. Being a professional, it feels great to see the game grow,” said Shiv, post the tournament.
MOODS & MOMENTS
Sporting Marriott Bonvoy logo on his cap, Arjuna Award winner and ace golfer Shiv Kapur played at the tournament. Some participants got an opportunity to tee off with him and also got to attend up close and exclusive golf clinics where Shiv provided valuable learnings on the finer nuances of the sport. “It makes me happy and proud to see a world-class property like this with such a golf course in India. This is what India has been crying out for a long time to have... I am really happy to be here today, I look forward to meeting everyone and looking forward to chat in hole
No. 6 (Beat the Pro),” said Marriott Bonvoy ambassador, Shiv who flew down from Delhi after participating in DGC Open 2022.
“In India we never had a destination where you had golf and luxury come together. But JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is a southern India resort with golf, leisure and great service, a one-of-a-kind in the country. And it has been a fabulous experience to have so many golfers today, showing off their best game. I had a super great time playing in the Closest to Pin hole,” said Ronan Fearon, general manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa.
“Playing golf at this fabulous course alongside some of our guests was a surreal experience. The weather was perfect and the course in immaculate condition, having recently been recognised as the best course in India. There was great excitement with on-course competitions alongside the opportunity to beat the pro Shiv Kapur on a par 3, adding to the afternoon wherein we had multiple huts curating an experience of the famed Marriott cuisines on course as well,” said Gaurav Singh.
WINNERS
The loudest cheer came for DG Raghvendra (centre), who was announced the winner in the Category A ( 0-18 handicap) and was felicitated by Shiv and Gaurav.
Iqbal Sait, runner-up in the Category A (0-18 handicap) was handed over the trophy by Shiv.
F&B
What do you do after an exciting session of golfing? You unwind! The felicitation ceremony took place by the stunning lap pool in JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa that was followed by cocktails and dinner.
“The food we served at the golf course was light, bite-sized and non-messy that the golfers could munch on like chicken skewers, fruit skewers, healthy sandwiches, Vietnamese prawn rolls, juices... and it was well appreciated by the golfers. The spread during the evening felicitation party had great beverages with live barbecue station, sushis, we had Asian noodles counter and our Indian fare from our signature Aaleeshan restaurant. The dessert counter from Truffle & Co. was loaded with pastries, macarons and more,” said Neeraj Rawoot, executive chef of the hotel.
Pictures: Shared by JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa