A Fairway to Friendship: Army and Civilian Golfers Unite in Shimla
Against the stunning backdrop of the Annandale Ground in Shimla, the annual Army–Civil Golf Tournament unfolded on December 6th and 7th, 2025. This much-loved event did more than test skill—it wove another thread into the fabric of camaraderie between Headquarters ARTRAC and Shimla’s local golfing community.
Played in the spirited matchplay format, the two days were filled with focused competition, shared laughter, and genuine goodwill. While the Army Team from HQ ARTRAC secured a victory with an overall score of 08–02, the real winner was the enduring sportsmanship on display. Each pairing saw keenly contested matches, with the Civil Team mounting a determined challenge that made every point hard-won.
The excitement extended beyond the team scorecard to celebrate standout individual moments. Mr. Girish Minocha mastered accuracy to win the ‘Straightest Drive’ (4.1 metres), while Mr. Arjun Lall Sud dazzled with precision, landing his shot a mere 1.9 metres from the pin for the ‘Nearest to the Pin’ prize. A roar of admiration surely followed Mr. Rehmat Singh’s powerful ‘Longest Drive,’ a colossal strike measuring 319 metres.
The closing ceremony was graced by the Patron of Annandale Golf Course, Lt Gen Devendra Sharma. As he presented the awards, he warmly congratulated all participants, emphasizing how such events fortify the vital bonds between the Army and the community. He reflected that the true spirit of the game lies in the friendship and mutual respect it fosters.
As the players departed, they carried with them more than trophies—they took memories of fellowship and friendly rivalry. This flagship event once again proved that in the heart of Shimla, a golf tournament is a beautiful tradition where competition gently gives way to connection, and everyone leaves the green feeling like a winner.
