Mahendran Balachandran, Partner at Accel recently inaugurated the Extension Block of Mercara Downs Golf Club (MDGC) which includes a Hall, one of its kind Golf Simulator for the first time in country.
Billiard and Snooker facility was inaugurated by Natasha Chethan of Sakleshpur winner of IBSF World Under-21 Women’s Snooker Championship 2024.
Speaking after inaugurating the facility Mahendran Balachandran said that with the golf simulator will give fillip to development of golf in this picturesque location of Kodagu and added that with the commitment seen in the committee of MDGC he is glad to be associated with the club.
Speaking earlier, Captain of MDGC I K Anil shared with the members present about the development of MDGC since 2002. He said that the extension block will contain a multipurpose hall, 10 additional rooms including 2 luxurious suites and a heated swimming pool. He concluded his address to the gathering stating “As we celebrate this milestone today, let us all commit to the path of progress and ensure that we continue to build MDGC with Passion, Purpose and by being in the present”. A silver salver was presented to Mahendran Balachandran on the occasion for his contribution to MDGC and for his philanthropic activities. Silver salver was also presented to Natasha Chethan for her achievements in Snooker.
Coinciding with the inauguration, 6th edition of T R Balachandran Coorg Doubles Championship 2024 was also held. 80 golfers from Coorg, Bangalore, Mysore, Chickmagalur and Ooty participated in this event played over two days. In the coveted open event C B Muthanna and Krishna Prasad emerged winners with a gross score of 146. K A Anil Kumar and B S Krishna from JWGC were the close runners up with a gross score of 147. The other results of the tournament are as under:
Best Gross Day 2 Winner: Anil Kumar K.A & Krishna B.S 74 Gross
Best Net Day 2 Winner: Varun Ganapathy & Akhil Muthanna 68Net
Open Strokeplay over 36 holes (0-14) Winner: Muthanna C.B & Krishna Prasad  146Gross
Runner Up:Â Anil Kumar K.A & Krishna B.S Â 147Gross
Handicap Strokeplay 0-18 over 36 holes Winner: Varun Ganapathy & Akhil Muthanna 129Net
Runner Up: Appanna K.N & Sanjay H.L Â 131Net
Handicap Stableford 19-24 over 36 holes Winner: Roy Chengappa & Dhananjaya C.S 74Points
Runner Up: Srinivas & Venkatesh   74Points
Seniors open Strokeplay (Combined average age of the team should be 50 to 59) Winner: Senthil Kumar & Ramneek Singh 148 Gross
Runner up: I.K. Anil & I.K. Ponnappa 152 Gross
Seniors Handicap Stableford (Combined average age of the team should be 60 and above) Winner: Harish Appanna K.M & Sunil Devaiah N.C Â 75Points
Runner up: Ramalinge Gowda & Sudhanva
The prize distribution ceremony was also held at the venue during the occasion. K P Ranjith announced the names of the winners. Mahendran Balachandran, Sangeeta Balachandran and I K Anil gave away the prizes. Natasha Chethan also spoke on the occasion. The programme was compered by I K Rohit. K P Ranjith proposed the vote of thanks.
