Nara Lokesh Explores PGA Golf City Opportunities with StoneCraft in Zurich
Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, met with representatives of the StoneCraft Group in Zurich to discuss the establishment of a world-class PGA (Professional Golfers' Association of America) standard golf city in the state. Lokesh, in Zurich for the World Economic Forum, engaged with StoneCraft Group’s Strategic Global Advisor Phani Sripada and other company representatives to explore opportunities for the project.
During the meeting, Phani Sripada emphasized that the proposed golf city would not only boost tourism and economic development in Andhra Pradesh but also position the state as a global sports destination. He revealed that StoneCraft Group is collaborating with Indian firms to launch strategically planned PGA-branded golf courses in major cities.
Founded in 2007, StoneCraft Group is recognized for its eco-friendly luxury residential projects, including the creation of the largest 'Miyawaki forest' in their 'Woods Shamshabad' project, featuring 4.5 lakh trees spanning 153 species. Sripada stated that their future goals include expanding the Shamshabad project, initiating the Goa Woods project, and establishing a PGA-branded golf city.
The collaboration with PGA is expected to bring certified golf professionals to the project, along with hosting major tournaments. Sripada noted that PGA has 17 branded properties across 14 countries, with nearly 29,000 members working in the golf industry across 60 nations.
Minister Nara Lokesh expressed optimism about the project, highlighting the rapid development of Amaravati into a world-class city under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. He stated that the state government is committed to implementing investor-friendly policies and providing incentives unparalleled by any other Indian state. Lokesh assured that if a comprehensive blueprint is submitted, the Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board could grant all necessary approvals within 15 days.
