Shankar Balasubramanian vividly recalls his first encounter with a golf club in 2014. Trophies and low handicaps were far from his mind; he was simply intrigued.
“Golf fascinated me because the ball just sits there, unlike cricket or football where you’re always reacting,” he explains. “You can’t blame a bad bounce—it’s all on you.”
What began as a weekend pastime evolved into a passion after visiting the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. The course, the atmosphere, and the friendships drew him in. “The Creek made me fall in love with golf,” he confesses. “The club’s vibe and friendships were irresistible.”
A banker by trade, Shankar’s early golfing days were filled with memorable moments, including a humorous one.
Shankar channels a competitive edge into every swing. – Photo Shankar Balasubramanian
Defying physics since 2014
“During my first bunker lesson in 2014,” he recalls, “I sank my first shot from the practice bunker. My coach looked at me like I defied physics. Eleven years later, I’m still trying to replicate that.”
Achieving a single-digit handicap took longer than anticipated, mainly due to time constraints. He could only play twice on weekends, with no weekday practice, and faced the occasional reminder that the body can’t always keep up.
“I’ve always been competitive,” he says. “That drive never fades, pushing me to improve with every round.”
The Creek became more than a golfing venue; it became a mentor. Redesigned by Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn, it challenges every decision a golfer makes.
Shankar celebrates his ace on Creek’s 13th hole. – Shankar Balasubramanian
“Every hole challenges you to play safe or take risks,” Shankar explains. “It’s fair, punishing the bad, rewarding the good, and requiring a short memory for mistakes.”
Scenic final holes
His favorite part of the course? “The last two holes, 17 and 18, are stunning. Spotting a friend across the fairway, you think, ‘Life’s good here.'”
Some moments are unforgettable. In September 2021, during a club competition, Shankar scored his first hole-in-one on the 190-yard par-3 14th.
“The tees were forward, my friend Kevin hit it close, then I aced it,” he recalls. “A photo, cheers, and a hefty bar bill followed. Worth every dirham, and I’d do it again.”
Today, Shankar’s connection to the Creek extends beyond weekly rounds. As Men’s Captain, he fosters community and spirit at the club, describing the role as a ‘crash course in people and culture.’
“The role is about making the club feel like home, keeping a welcoming atmosphere, and ensuring members feel heard,” he explains. “It’s leadership with a smile and a clubhouse drink.”
Golfing ties across borders
A highlight of his captaincy was the first Captain’s Trip to India.
“Twenty-two of us went to Bangalore to play at the Karnataka Golf Association, in the inaugural fixture between our clubs,” Shankar says. “Later, we hosted 36 of their players at the Creek.”
“The camaraderie and competition were what the role’s about. With captaincy time left, I’m eyeing big tournaments for the new season.”
Finding peace on the fairways
To Shankar, golf is more than a sport; it’s a pause in a noisy world. “Golf brings peace in a noisy world. On the course, time slows, and stress fades.”
“It’s also given me a community of friends that enrich my life. None of this would be possible without my wife, Malathy, and daughter, Tasha, who let me enjoy the fairways. Even our vacations revolve around nearby courses.”
Shankar discusses his personal golf goals and vision for the Dubai Creek community.
Personal goals in focus
“Personally, I aim to stay in single digits and keep playing well,” he says. “My coach, Matt Brookes, helped me from a 14 to a 6 handicap, and I’ll rely on him for consistency.”
“For the community, I’ll remain involved: the Creek is my second home. Through ‘Creek Stars,’ we invite anyone for a weekend game and social gathering to keep the spirit alive.”
“We’re on Instagram @creekstars_dxb – come say hi!”
