Big-ticket golf event will make a comeback at Beldih greens after a six-year hiatus.

The Tata Steel Tour Championship, which is scheduled between December 17 and 20, will be held at the 18-hole Golmuri golf course and the 9-hole facility at Beldih following strict Covid-19 protocols.

The four-day championship, which carries a prize money of Rs 1.5 crore, will be preceded by a pro-am (professional-amateur) event. The pro-am gives an opportunity to local golfers to play alongside professionals.

The event was being held exclusively at the Golmuri course since 2014. But with the Beldih greens bereft of any top-notch event, the Jamshedpur Golf Committee has decided to bring the action back there.

“Participants will be swapping Golmuri and Beldih courses while completing the customary 18 holes. We can watch some exciting action at Beldih this time,” a member said.

Insiders in the Jamshedpur golf committee revealed that the Beldih facility was not being adequately maintained due to absence of competitive events, including local tournaments like Steel City Golf and Jubilee Golf. Both the events, as well as feeder tours, have been reserved for the Golmuri course which has become a most sought-after venue ever since it was turned into an 18-hole course some years back.

The Golmuri greens have always won accolades from top golfers who have come to the steel city for the tournament.

“With the Tata Steel Tour Championship also earmarked at Beldih this time, we can see upgradation of the greens and the fairways. There will be regular maintenance. The golf course will regain its lost glory,” another member said.

Strict Covid protocols would be adopted for the tournament. Players must get their Covid test done 72 hours prior to arriving at the tournament venue for the practice round. Only those with a negative test report will be allowed. Players not carrying their test reports will not be allowed to enter the tournament venue.

Players have been recommended to instal the Arogya Setu app on their phones.

Social distancing of at least six feet must be practiced at all times at the venue, and masks are mandatory at all areas except while playing on the course and during dining.

Gatherings are strictly prohibited and players will be asked to leave the venue as soon as their round has been completed. No practice will be allowed after the round.

If a player is showing any signs of illness he will be asked to stay home and follow health protocols as recommended by state health authorities.

No player other than those mentioned in the tournament entry list or draw (practice rounds 1 and 2), and those making the cut (rounds 3 and 4) will be allowed entry at the venue.

Players can opt to carry their own bag. Starters must wear a mask, a face shield and gloves.

Only a scorecard and hole location or local rules sheet will be distributed on the tee. They will be stapled together and given to the marker. There will be no exchange of paper between participants.