Sunday, May 16, 2004
Life is pretty fast out there, especially if you are the president and managing director of a software company. It is the hot and happening segment of the time. But if you have the will, you always manage time for other activities. And so does Hughes Software Systems chief Arun Kumar. "I play golf, once a week and my current handicap is 19. I make it a point to dedicate about 4-5 hours for golf once a week," says Kumar, who is a member of the DLF Golf Club and the ITC Classic Golf resort in Gurgaon.
He shares a strong passion for the game and connects with it. "Golf motivates me and helps me relax. It interests me because of the huge challenge that it offers. It empowers me to overcome challenges," he says.
In fact, he finds many a similarity in golf and life so as to take lessons from it. "In golf, we solely rely on our own ability to choose the path and dictate our own result. It is very similar to a life like situation where you have to set a goal, decide the course of action, concentrate and focus on your efforts, apply your skills, avoid distractions and get around to executing it as you had planned. It is very similar to what we undergo in day-to-day challenges in life and how we overcome it successfully," he says.
Getting a company is also not a problem for him. He has it in his family- wife and son. "I usually play with my wife and son," he says. And though his son is out in the US for his studies, he has a good company in his wife. "At this time we are paired with other people at the venue and that gives us a good chance to interact with new people. Sometimes I go out with friends too, he adds.
Mr Kumar, who was initiated into the game during his college days in America, has been playing golf occasionally for the past 20 years. "But I have been a regular golfer for the last 6-7 years." And if he is a regular golfer, obviously, he has his favorite equipment. "I use a Callaway ERC driver, Callaway Big Bertha woods, King Cobra irons, Odyssey putter and Titleleist golf balls," he says.
Mr. Kumar follows the game closely "even if it is a bit difficult to watch it on TV regularly because of its limited coverage in India". "But I do try to participate in pro-amateur golf competitions in India. I have had the opportunity to play with most top Indian players and also international golfers who participated in these events," he says. His favorite golfer is Lee Trevino "for his great skills and carefree style". "He looks like he is having fun while he is playing golf," he says.
Among the current players he likes Ernie Els "for he is a gentleman and has an easy going style. He is a great brand ambassador for the game", Vijay Singh "for his dedication, perseverance and consistency towards the game", and Tiger Woods. "I have had the opportunity to watch him live on two occasions and also give golf clinics. His level of maturity, consistency and focus, especially for his young age, is remarkable," concludes Mr. Kumar.
Last updated :
May 28, 2004
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