The Founding Chapter
A.B. Sudarshan
Founder President
A.B. Sudarshan is the second son of late Shri A.M. Basavegowda , a noted politician and Smt. Gowramma Basavegowda, famous for her philanthropic work and an active social worker who was active in building several institutions for the well-being of people of Chikmagalur.
Born into a family with over 240 years of coffee-growing heritage, Sudarshan represents the seventh generation of coffee cultivators. After studying in Bengaluru at Sophia High School and Bishop Cotton Boys’ High School, and a alumnus of Government Arts and Science College, he returned to Chikmagalur in 1977 to carry forward his family’s legacy.
A passionate cricketer, he captained Karnataka’s oldest cricket club, Rana Sports Club, and continues to serve it as its Honorary Secretary.
Life took a difficult turn after he lost his father in 1996. Looking for a way to channel his grief, he pursued a dream that many thought was impossible—to bring golf to Chikmagalur.
Driving through the estates and slopes of Bababudangiri, he found what he believed was the perfect location. With the support of 51 friends and family members, he transformed the bear-inhabited wilderness of Kardihalli Kaval into what is today the Chikmagalur Golf Club.
The journey was strengthened by the encouragement of his close friend and former Chief Secretary of Karnataka, Mr. B. S. Patil, IAS, and the generosity of renowned Australian golf course designer Phil Ryan, who offered his expertise to help shape the course.
What began as one man’s dream has since become one of Chikmagalur’s most cherished sporting landmarks.
A.B. Ravishankar
First Captain
He is Sudarshan’s younger brother. When Sudarshan first shared his vision in 1996, Ravishankar’s answer was immediate: Why not? He did not pause to count the risks. He became the First Captain of the club he helped build. And 25 years later, he serves as Captain again. That kind of continuity is rare. It says everything about what this club means to this family.
THE FOUNDING MEMBERS COMMITTEE
The core group who built this club from nothing.
G B Chandrashekar
First Honorary Treasurer
A S Shankare Gowda
First Honorary Treasurer
D L Krishna murthy
Vice President
S Gopalakrishna
Executive Committee
S R Sathyanarayana
Executive Committee
T M Jayadev
Executive Committee
Beyond these eight, eleven others formed the original prime-mover group.
A C Suresh Chandra
A C Satish Chandra
A B Mallikarjun
C P Ravi
A Jaganath
A N Chandra Mohan
All fourteen advanced their trust purely on faith — no assets, no guarantees. Just the belief that Chikmagalur deserved a golf course.
Key Supporters
Mr B.S. Patil, IAS
Karnataka Government
He was a member of the Karnataka Government. He came to the site when there was nothing to see. He gave the project plans at a concessional fee. When funds were scarce and conviction wavered, he provided encouragement.
He inaugurated the first nine holes in 2002. He inaugurated the Members’ Clubhouse in 2004. He was an important factor in the club’s success.
Mr Phil Ryan
Course Architect · Pacific Coast Designs
He had redesigned the Bangalore Golf Club. He had worked courses across the world. When the CGC group met him at the Kadur Club, he understood what they were trying to build.
He designed the first nine holes from 56 acres of potato farmland. He returned a decade later to design the second nine. The course that exists today — all 18 holes — carries his signature. The course exists today because of his generosity.
The Pillars
Suchitra & Sudarshan
Married to Sudarshan for over 40 years, she has supported his dream and seen it come to life. She stood by him when all others thought he was dreaming an unrealistic dream. Suchitra believed in him, encouraged him and through his entire journey of realising this dream remained his pillar of support and encouragement.
Meera & Ravishankar
She is the other pillar, married to AB Ravishankar, who has stood tall for 25 years and witnessed their struggle and dedication. She silently witnessed Ravishankar’s commitment to managing the club office, field activities as well as the kitchen through the years.