People

Mastering Both Greens and Goals

In the charming town of Shillong, Meghalaya, golf is more than just a game—it's a family affair for Gaurav and Lakshya Bajaj. This dynamic uncle-nephew duo isn't just swinging their way to glory on the greens; they're also putting North East India on the national golf radar, one impressive shot at a time.

GAURAV BAJAJ: The Businessman with a Passion for Golf

Gaurav Bajaj, the Joint MD and CEO of RNB Group of Industries, has always been deeply rooted in his heritage and family values. His academic journey through the prestigious St. Edmund's School and College laid a solid foundation for his professional endeavours. Today, he actively engages in the family business while passionately pursuing amateur golf with a Handicap Index of 8.8.

When asked about how he first got into golf and what inspired him to start playing, he reveals that his first introduction to golf came at the tender age of six, courtesy of his father Banwari Lal Bajaj. Further, he adds, “From the moment I first held a golf club, the game captivated me like no other outdoor sport could. Although my memories of those early days on the golf course are hazy, the excitement and joy it brought me remain vivid.”

Achievements and Inspirations

Winning the Statesman Cup in Shillong back in '99 remains a gem in Gaurav's treasure trove of memories. Despite the tournament being discontinued, the legacy of that victory lives on. Competing in the British Mid-Amateur Championship in Alnwick, UK, in 2022 was another notable highlight. Gaurav's trophy case is well-stocked with wins from Shillong to Guwahati, Kolkata to Upper Assam. Adding to his laurels, he bagged medals representing Meghalaya in the North East Olympic Games in 2022 and the Meghalaya Games in 2022 and 2024.

Tiger Woods isn't just a golfing hero for Gaurav; he's a North Star of inspiration. Seeing Woods in action at the 2022 Open at St. Andrews in Scotland was a hole-in-one on his bucketlist. Gaurav's passion for golf doesn't stop at playing; he is the youngest member of the Indian Golf Union's Governing Council and has been re-elected for a second term, having first been elected in 2020. His election is a nod from Indian golfers across state associations, and he wears this responsibility with pride.

Furthering North East India's presence on the national golf stage has been his calling. Hence, he founded the Meghalaya Golf Promoters' Society (MGPS), dedicated to championing the sport in the region and beyond. Gaurav believes that golf, much like life, imparts invaluable lessons. It teaches discipline, hard work, and perseverance—qualities essential both in business and personal life. He hopes to instill these values in the next generation, ensuring they carry forward the principles we hold dear.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Gaurav aims to continue competing in the Mid-Amateur category, cherishing the camaraderie with his close golfing friends on and off the course.

Meanwhile, on the business front, he is expanding production capacities and venturing into new international markets, mirroring his ambitions on the golf course—continually striving for excellence and new challenges

Lakshya Bajaj: The Rising Star

Like his uncle, Lakshya attended St. Edmund's School before relocating to Kolkata for his higher secondary education. Today, he is pursuing a double major in business management and finance, with a minor in mechanical engineering, at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Despite growing up in an environment with fewer opportunities compared to larger cities, Lakshya seized every chance that came his way—a defining trait that has profoundly shaped his journey.

Early Introduction to Golf

Lakshya's introduction to golf was almost destined, with a family history rich in the sport. His father and uncle, both excellent golfers, paved the way for his early interest. “Golf runs in my blood,” he fondly remarks. His father, Rahul Bajaj, played a pivotal role, not just introducing him to the game but also doubling up as his first coach. At the tender age of three, Lakshya was already swinging plastic golf clubs, upgrading to his first set of proper kid's clubs by six and hitting the course under his father's guidance.

One of Lakshya's fondest memories revolves around practicing golf under his mother Sweta Bajaj's watchful gaze. Beginning serious practice at the age of six, he always had his mother by his side, equipped with a foldable chair and an umbrella. She not only provided unwavering support but also organised practice sessions with his golfing buddies. These early experiences planted the seeds of his passion for the game, laying a solid foundation for Lakshya's journey in golf.

Role Models and Influences

Lakshya's ultimate golfing guru is undoubtedly his father, a seasoned player with over 35 years on the greens. From him, Lakshya gleaned the secrets of keeping cool under pressure—a nonnegotiable for any serious golfer. Another major inspiration in his journey is the legendary Tiger Woods, whose techniques have added serious zest into Lakshya's game.

Significant Achievements

Lakshya's journey in golf hit a high note with his first significant win at the Civies Cup in Assam in 2018, a victory that filled him with pride as he showcased his skills beyond his home turf. This triumph marked a monumental milestone, signaling his debut success in the amateur ranks. Adding to his accolades, he won the prestigious Statesmen Cup in 2018 and grabbed a commendable second place in 2019. His winning streak extends further with triumphs in multiple tournaments within the East India Junior Circuit.

Balancing Golf and Academics

Balancing the demands of golf and academics is no easy feat, but Lakshya attributes his success to effective time management and discipline. “Having a schedule and sticking to it helps me maintain a better balance of things,” he explains. This balance is crucial, especially as he juggles his collegiate commitments with his passion for golf.

Vision for the Future

Lakshya's golfing future is as bright as a perfectly struck ball on a sunny day. Currently playing college golf in the D3 division, he aims to advance to the D1 division with his collegiate team

His game plan? Non-stop growth and mastery, aiming to polish those skills till they shine like clubhouse trophies.

A Family Affair

The Bajaj family's devotion to golf binds them together, with both Lakshya and Gaurav drawing inspiration from each other. Gaurav acknowledges the fresh perspectives and keen understanding of technology that younger golfers like Lakshya bring to the game. This exchange of knowledge keeps them both updated and motivated.

From the hills of Shillong to the lush fairways of national and international golf courses, Gaurav and Lakshya Bajaj's journeys are remarkable sagas of passion, perseverance, and familial support. As they continue to balance their love for golf with their professional endeavours, they embody the timeless values instilled in them, inspiring others every step of the way. This duo brings a blend of seasoned experience and youthful vigour to the greens, leaving an indelible mark on the world of golf.