Arun Kumar Yadav is a pioneer in India. He is the first Certified Turf Equipment Manager in his country and was just the second internationally. Photo courtesy of Arun Kumar Yadav
He saw his future in the automobile industry. Instead, Arun Kumar Yadav has motored through a successful road in golf.
He certainly is a trailblazer in his country. Yadav is the first GCSAA Certified Turf Equipment Manager from India and the second internationally. He is in his 26th year at DLF Golf and Country Club Golf Links in Gurgaon, India. Yadav started there in 1999. Today, the facility features 27 holes designed by Arnold Palmer and Gary Player and also offers night golf.
“I joined DLF Golf and Country Club as a workshop supervisor,” says Yadav, “and I garnered interest in golf later and learned how to play. The opportunity to grow and develop as the club has expanded has allowed me to add value to the organization. The club is the No. 1-rated club in the country.”
A two-year GCSAA member, Yadav comes from the South Asian country of approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants. Golf has steadily grown in India. According to the Indian Golf Union, there are 194 golf clubs and more in the planning stage. India has produced some stellar professional golfers. Arjun Atwal competed in all four majors from 2004-2011. Anirban Lahiri tied for fifth in the 2015 PGA Championship. Jeev Milkha Singh tied for 25th in the 2008 Masters and tied for ninth in the 2008 PGA Championship.
The pride and joy of Yadav is when DLF Golf and CC hosts professional tournaments, the most recent when it welcomed the DP World Tour’s Indian Open. This year, it was held March 27-30. Earlier in the year, it hosted LIV International Series. “Both events are very important for me and the golf club as well,” says Yadav, noting the large TV exposure India receives for the events worldwide. “I was more confident, and the learning from the CTEM process helped me a lot to organize such an international event in a better way. The maintenance team was recognized and appreciated by the management, players, members and everyone for their great effort for the event. I would like to thank GCSAA for providing courses like CTEM, which has given a sharp edge to my skills to face the challenges.”
Yadav is a staple at DLF Golf and Country Club, where he started in 1999. Photo courtesy of Shaun Satterly
Yadav was born and grew up in a small village, Zainabad District Rewari, in India. He completed his studies in automobiles/mechanical engineering. Yadav’s path changed when an opportunity in golf surfaced. He joined DLF Golf and CC as a workshop supervisor. In his spare time, Yadav learned how to play golf.
“I looked after the club’s engineering department as an assistant chief engineer before transitioning to the golf course maintenance department as a workshop manager in September 2014. Inspired by my course superintendent in August 2023, I decided to pursue the CTEM qualification and was able to complete it in November (2024),” Yadav says. “DLF Golf and Country Club is my first golf club, and I love to be part of this team. Facing challenges, solving problems, learning new things is my hobby, and I find all these things here.”
His previous superintendent, Shaun Satterly, CGCS, and a 25-year GCSAA member, says Yadav originally oversaw numerous aspects at the facility. “He was responsible for the back-of-house maintenance. This included plant operations such as pump and electrical systems, golf cart and infrastructure, so making the transition to golf course maintenance, while challenging, was definitely manageable for Arun,” says Satterly, who departed the club earlier this year for a project in the Philippines. “Arun grew into the role over the years and developed his technical skills as well as his team to meet the demands of golf course maintenance operations.
“Arun is a strong supporter in many ways and is often involved in various construction projects throughout the club property that are above and beyond his regular scope of works. It has been a pleasure watching Arun develop both his character and technical skills over the years, and to achieve the CTEM designation is a significant milestone in his career. I encourage Arun to further develop his skills and that of his team to ensure depth and strength within his department.”
A husband and father of two (a daughter is studying medicine and a son is studying technology and computer science), Arun has a happy and beloved family.
“It’s important to achieve CTEM, as it is the highest certification in the industry and allows me to formally recognize my skill set,” Yadav says. “CTEM helps add recognition for my employer, my country and helps highlight the industry within the nation. Achieving CTEM highlights a pathway for my team and for future generations.”
Howard Richman is GCM's associate editor