Mangaluru to Get Golf Excellence Academy at Pilikula by May 31

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 1, 2026: The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to strengthen its presence on the national sporting map with the launch of a state-of-the-art Golf Excellence Academy at the Pilikula Golf Club (PGC). The academy is scheduled to be inaugurated on May 31.

Announcing the initiative, PGC Captain Manoj Kumar Shetty told reporters on Saturday, on the sidelines of the club’s first floodlit Pro-Am tournament, that the project is being funded by UAE-based philanthropist Michael D’Souza. The academy is currently in the design phase, with experts from leading golf academies expected to visit Mangaluru to assist in developing world-class training facilities.

The academy will train up to 20 young golfers at a time, with a long-term vision of nurturing national-level talent from the region. Shetty said that while PGC had so far depended on an in-house coach, the recent renovation of the course and the introduction of floodlights have prompted the club to raise the standard of the sport through structured professional training.

Stakeholders of the Pilikula Golf Club are in discussions with reputed coaching academies, and two such institutions have already been approached. Heads of these academies are expected to visit PGC shortly to provide technical inputs. Based on their recommendations, additional facilities and modifications will be undertaken.

“The construction of a dormitory for trainers is already in progress. We are inviting coaching academies to guide us so that we can build the right infrastructure. Our aim is to produce some of the best golfers from this region,” Shetty said.

Professional golfer Aryan Roopa Anand highlighted the importance of the floodlit course, noting that it would allow young players to balance academics and sports. “Students can now practise after school hours, up to 8 pm or 9 pm, which is a big advantage,” he said.

With professional coaching, modern infrastructure and international backing, the Golf Excellence Academy is expected to give a significant boost to golfing talent in and around Mangaluru.