Royal Willingdon Sports Club - Revision history

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	'''The Willingdon Sports Club''' is ~~an exclusive~~ private [[sports club]] in [[South Mumbai]].<ref name= "IE">		'''The Royal Willingdon Sports Club''' is a private [[sports club]] in [[South Mumbai]].<ref name= "IE">
	{{cite news		{{cite news
	\|url=http://www.livemint.com/2008/03/08003213/Mumbai-Multiplex--Welcome-to.html?d=1		\|url=http://www.livemint.com/2008/03/08003213/Mumbai-Multiplex--Welcome-to.html?d=1
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	\|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]		\|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]
	\|accessdate=2009-06-17		\|accessdate=2009-06-17
	}}</ref>		}}</ref> The club was founded in 1918 by [[Lord Willingdon]], at that time [[Governor of Bombay]].<ref name="md2010" /> Amenities include an 18-hole golf course, six tennis courts, squash and badminton courts, health club and a swimming pool. Non-sports amenities include a formal dining room, a semi-formal dining room, bar, garden cafe, bakery, members' provision and separate beer and wine shop, a swimming pool cafe and a plant nursery.

	~~'''Willingdon Sports Club''' is a gentleman's club in Mumbai. Membership~~ has been closed since 1985 and only the children of current members can ~~attain membership. Corporate membership is granted for 10 years for two~~ members ~~at a total cost of about Rs. 30 crores~~.		Due to overwhelming demand membership has been closed since 1985 and only the children of current members, on a selective basis, can become members.

	Almost all members belong to wealthy, [[old money]] families. The club is very selective of granting membership to current ~~member’s~~ children and the applicant’s family background takes top priority along with their profession. The ~~creme-~~de-la~~-creme~~ of Bombay society ~~consider~~ Willingdon the most prestigious club in the nation.		Almost all members belong to wealthy, [[old money]] families. The club is very selective in granting membership to current members' children and the applicant’s family background takes top priority along with their profession.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=Royal Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai, India Tourist Information \|url=https://www.touristlink.com/india/royal-willingdon-sports-club/overview.html \|access-date=2022-06-22 \|website=www.touristlink.com \|language=en-US}}</ref> The crème de la crème of Bombay society considers Willingdon the most prestigious club in the nation.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2011-07-07 \|title=Bollywood Members of Mumbai's Willingdon Club {{!}} Lifestyle \|url=https://www.idiva.com/travel-living/home-decor/bollywood-members-of-mumbais-willingdon-club/6238 \|access-date=2022-06-22 \|website=iDiva \|language=en-IN}}</ref>

	It was one of the first ~~clubs~~ to admit indigenous Indians ~~prior to~~ [[Partition of India\|Partition]].<ref name="md2010" />		The Club was one of the first to admit indigenous Indians before [[Partition of India\|Partition]].<ref name="md2010" />

	Willingdon, along with the Breach Candy Club and [[Bombay Gymkhana]], ~~make~~ up the “Top 3” (a name coined for the top 3 private clubs of the city).		Willingdon, along with the Breach Candy Club and [[Bombay Gymkhana]], makes up the “Top Three” (a name coined for the top three private clubs of the city of Mumbai).{{Citation needed\|date=June 2022}}

	==History==		==History==
	It was founded in 1918 by [[Lord Willingdon]], the then [[Governor of Bombay]].<ref name=md2010>{{cite news\|title=Willingdon slams door on Pesi Shroff\|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/apr/110410-pesi-shroff-willingdon-sports-club-membership-denied.htm\|accessdate=27 March 2011\|newspaper=[[Mid-Day]]\|date=11 April 2010}}</ref> Willingdon was refused permission to take an [[India]]n Maharaja with him to the [[Bombay Gymkhana]], [[Byculla Club]] and [[Royal Bombay Yacht Club]],<ref name="IE"/> which then allowed only Europeans and hence, decided to start a club that both Indians and Europeans could go to.<ref>{{Cite book		The Royal Willingdon Sports Club (WSC) was founded in 1918 by [[Lord Willingdon]], the then [[Governor of Bombay]].<ref name=md2010>{{cite news\|title=Willingdon slams door on Pesi Shroff\|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/apr/110410-pesi-shroff-willingdon-sports-club-membership-denied.htm\|accessdate=27 March 2011\|newspaper=[[Mid-Day]]\|date=11 April 2010}}</ref> Willingdon was refused permission to take an [[India]]n Maharaja with him to the [[Bombay Gymkhana]], [[Byculla Club]] and [[Royal Bombay Yacht Club]],<ref name="IE"/> which then allowed only Europeans and hence, decided to start a club that both Indians and Europeans could go to.<ref>{{Cite book
	\|last=Humble		\|last=Humble
	\|first=Richard		\|first=Richard
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	}}</ref>		}}</ref>

	Permanent membership is closed except for members ~~sons~~<ref name="IE"/><ref name=md2010/><ref name="DNA">{{cite news\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all \|title=New clubs on the block \|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] \|accessdate=2009-06-17 \|url-status=dead \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205211712/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all \|archivedate=5 December 2009 }}</ref> though temporary corporate memberships are open (mostly taken by [[expatriate]]s). In the 1980s membership was temporarily opened but then later closed due to overwhelming demand. In 2007, membership was opened to members' daughters as well, much to the consternation of some members, though a majority of Balloting and Disciplinary Committee members saw it fit to admit them as "younger people spend more money."<ref name="IE"/> Membership applications for "ordinary members" (members' sons), corporate members and "services" ([[civil servants]] and [[armed forces]]) are decided by the Balloting and Disciplinary Committee. ''[[Mid-Day]]'' wrote that the WSC has an unspoken rule that does not allow film actors and racing professionals, including jockeys, trainers and their spouses to be individuals as "actors might create a nuisance, with their followers lingering around, and ruin the ambience and peace at the club... What is important is not the profession but the applicant's background. If the jockey is a syce's son who cannot speak seven words of English, he may be rejected."<ref name=md2010/> However, [[Akshay Khanna]] and his brother [[Rahul Khanna\|Rahul]] are members ~~as of~~ 2010 onwards.		Permanent membership is closed except for members' children<ref name="IE"/><ref name=md2010/><ref name="DNA">{{cite news\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all \|title=New clubs on the block \|newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] \|accessdate=2009-06-17 \|url-status=dead \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205211712/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all \|archivedate=5 December 2009 }}</ref> though temporary corporate memberships are open but mostly taken by [[expatriate]]s. In the 1980s membership was temporarily opened but then later closed due to overwhelming demand. In 2007, membership was opened to members' daughters as well, much to the consternation of some members, though a majority of Balloting and Disciplinary Committee members saw it fit to admit them as "younger people spend more money."<ref name="IE"/> Membership applications for "ordinary members" (members' sons), corporate members and "services" ([[civil servants]] and [[armed forces]]) are decided by the Balloting and Disciplinary Committee. Indian newspaper ''[[Mid-Day]]'' wrote that the WSC has an unspoken rule that does not allow film actors and racing professionals, including jockeys, trainers and their spouses to be individuals as "actors might create a nuisance, with their followers lingering around, and ruin the ambience and peace at the club... What is important is not the profession, but the applicant's background. If the jockey is a syce's son who cannot speak seven words of English, he may be rejected."<ref name=md2010/> However, [[Akshay Khanna]] and his brother [[Rahul Khanna\|Rahul]] are members from 2010 onwards.

	In the 21st century{{when\|date=September 2015}}, there was controversy and infighting over the destruction of the badminton courts and club election process.{{citation needed\|date=September 2015}} After the original bar was burned in a fire, the former bakery was turned into the "Pub" that functions as a mini-nightclub on weekends and "Bar Nite" once a month. The former bar is a formal, outside-catered restaurant called the "Golf View Bar" right next the library on the upper level.		In the 21st century{{when\|date=September 2015}}, there was controversy and infighting over the destruction of the badminton courts and the club election process.{{citation needed\|date=September 2015}} After the original bar was burned in a fire, the former bakery was turned into the "Pub" that functions as a mini-nightclub on weekends and "Bar Nite" once a month. The former bar is a formal, outside-catered restaurant called the "Golf View Bar" right next to the library on the upper level.

	==Amenities==		==Amenities==
	The club has an 18-hole golf course (the only private one within the city, the other being the military-only club and another in the suburbs), six tennis courts,<!--under dispute--> squash and badminton courts, health club and a swimming pool. Non-sports amenities include a formal dining room, a ~~semi-formal~~ dining room, a bar, a garden ~~cafe~~ (where children under 21 are allowed), swimming pool ~~cafe~~, a bakery, a plant nursery<ref>{{Cite book		The club has an 18-hole golf course (the only private one within the city, the other being the military-only club and another in the suburbs), six tennis courts, ⁣<!--under dispute--> squash and badminton courts, a health club and a swimming pool. Non-sports amenities include a formal dining room, a semiformal dining room, a bar, a garden café (where children under 21 are allowed), a swimming pool café, a bakery, a plant nursery<ref>{{Cite book
	\|last=Streat		\|last=Streat
	\|first=Raymond, Marguerite Dupree		\|first=Raymond, Marguerite Dupree
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	\|url-status=dead		\|url-status=dead
	\|archive-date=2020-11-11		\|archive-date=2020-11-11
	}}</ref> a members' provision and separate beer and wine shop is available to members at rates cheaper than outside stores as the club is not-for-profit and a mini-grocery store. There is also a pavilion and a patio, as well as facilities to cater to members' parties ~~to host~~.		}}</ref> a members' provision and separate beer and wine shop are available to members at rates cheaper than outside stores as the club is not-for-profit and a mini-grocery store. There is also a pavilion and a patio, as well as facilities to cater for the hosting of members' parties.{{citation needed\|date=September 2015}}

	==Events==		==Events==
	A banquet was held ~~there~~ in 1954 to celebrate the first [[Filmfare awards]] ceremony. The event was attended by actor [[Gregory Peck]].<ref name= "sify">		A banquet was held at the WSC in 1954 to celebrate the first [[Filmfare awards]] ceremony. The event was attended by actor [[Gregory Peck]].<ref name= "sify">
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14149180		\|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14149180

imported>Kailash29792: clean up

2021-07-01T11:51:56Z

clean up

New page

{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=June 2009}}
{{Advert|date=October 2018}}
}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox sport governing body
|name = Willingdon Sports Club
|abbrev = WSC
|logo =
|sport =[[Golf]]
|category = Private Sports Club
|image =
|caption = yes
|jurisdiction =
|founded = 1918 <br> [[British India]] <br>
[[Lord Willingdon]] <br>(Governor of Bombay)
|region =
|regionyear =
|headquarters = [[Tardeo]]
|location = [[South Mumbai]]
|president =
|chairman =
|chairperson =
|chair =
|chiefexec =
|secretary =
|url = https://www.willingdonclub.com/
|countryflag = India
}}

'''The Willingdon Sports Club''' is an exclusive private [[sports club]] in [[South Mumbai]].<ref name= "IE">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.livemint.com/2008/03/08003213/Mumbai-Multiplex--Welcome-to.html?d=1
|title=Mumbai Multiplex: Welcome to the club
|newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]]
|accessdate=2009-06-17
}}</ref>

'''Willingdon Sports Club''' is a gentleman's club in Mumbai. Membership has been closed since 1985 and only the children of current members can attain membership. Corporate membership is granted for 10 years for two members at a total cost of about Rs. 30 crores.

Almost all members belong to wealthy, [[old money]] families. The club is very selective of granting membership to current member’s children and the applicant’s family background takes top priority along with their profession. The creme-de-la-creme of Bombay society consider Willingdon the most prestigious club in the nation.

It was one of the first clubs to admit indigenous Indians prior to [[Partition of India|Partition]].<ref name="md2010" />

Willingdon, along with the Breach Candy Club and [[Bombay Gymkhana]], make up the “Top 3” (a name coined for the top 3 private clubs of the city).

==History==
It was founded in 1918 by [[Lord Willingdon]], the then [[Governor of Bombay]].<ref name=md2010>{{cite news|title=Willingdon slams door on Pesi Shroff|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/apr/110410-pesi-shroff-willingdon-sports-club-membership-denied.htm|accessdate=27 March 2011|newspaper=[[Mid-Day]]|date=11 April 2010}}</ref> Willingdon was refused permission to take an [[India]]n Maharaja with him to the [[Bombay Gymkhana]], [[Byculla Club]] and [[Royal Bombay Yacht Club]],<ref name="IE"/> which then allowed only Europeans and hence, decided to start a club that both Indians and Europeans could go to.<ref>{{Cite book
|last=Humble
|first=Richard
|year=1983
|title=Fraser of North Cape
|page=96
|publisher=Routledge
|isbn=0-7100-9555-4
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6vU9AAAAIAAJ
}}</ref>

Permanent membership is closed except for members sons<ref name="IE"/><ref name=md2010/><ref name="DNA">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all |title=New clubs on the block |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |accessdate=2009-06-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205211712/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/urban-tales_new-clubs-on-the-block_1142189-all |archivedate=5 December 2009 }}</ref> though temporary corporate memberships are open (mostly taken by [[expatriate]]s). In the 1980s membership was temporarily opened but then later closed due to overwhelming demand. In 2007, membership was opened to members' daughters as well, much to the consternation of some members, though a majority of Balloting and Disciplinary Committee members saw it fit to admit them as "younger people spend more money."<ref name="IE"/> Membership applications for "ordinary members" (members' sons), corporate members and "services" ([[civil servants]] and [[armed forces]]) are decided by the Balloting and Disciplinary Committee. ''[[Mid-Day]]'' wrote that the WSC has an unspoken rule that does not allow film actors and racing professionals, including jockeys, trainers and their spouses to be individuals as "actors might create a nuisance, with their followers lingering around, and ruin the ambience and peace at the club... What is important is not the profession but the applicant's background. If the jockey is a syce's son who cannot speak seven words of English, he may be rejected."<ref name=md2010/> However, [[Akshay Khanna]] and his brother [[Rahul Khanna|Rahul]] are members as of 2010 onwards.

In the 21st century{{when|date=September 2015}}, there was controversy and infighting over the destruction of the badminton courts and club election process.{{citation needed|date=September 2015}} After the original bar was burned in a fire, the former bakery was turned into the "Pub" that functions as a mini-nightclub on weekends and "Bar Nite" once a month. The former bar is a formal, outside-catered restaurant called the "Golf View Bar" right next the library on the upper level.

==Amenities==
The club has an 18-hole golf course (the only private one within the city, the other being the military-only club and another in the suburbs), six tennis courts, squash and badminton courts, health club and a swimming pool. Non-sports amenities include a formal dining room, a semi-formal dining room, a bar, a garden cafe (where children under 21 are allowed), swimming pool cafe, a bakery, a plant nursery<ref>{{Cite book
|last=Streat
|first=Raymond, Marguerite Dupree
|year=1987
|title=Lancashire and Whitehall
|page=260
|publisher=Manchester University Press ND
|isbn=0-7190-2390-4
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BxANAQAAIAAJ
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111071449/https://books.google.com/books?id=BxANAQAAIAAJ
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2020-11-11
}}</ref> a members' provision and separate beer and wine shop is available to members at rates cheaper than outside stores as the club is not-for-profit and a mini-grocery store. There is also a pavilion and a patio, as well as facilities to cater to members' parties to host.

==Events==
A banquet was held there in 1954 to celebrate the first [[Filmfare awards]] ceremony. The event was attended by actor [[Gregory Peck]].<ref name= "sify">
{{cite web
|url=http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14149180
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202181129/http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14149180
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2013-02-02
|title=Things that u dont know about Filmfare Awards
|publisher=[[sify.com]]
|accessdate=2009-06-17
}}</ref> One of the award winners, [[Bimal Roy]] was not allowed entry into the club for the party as he was dressed in a [[dhoti]].<ref name=toi2005>{{cite news|title=50 years of dreams, disappointments|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-02-25/india/27859867_1_filmfare-statuette-bimal-roy-awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219224537/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2005-02-25/india/27859867_1_filmfare-statuette-bimal-roy-awards|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 December 2011|accessdate=12 April 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 February 2005}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of India's gentlemen's clubs]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Sports Clubs in Mumbai}}
{{Mumbai topics}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1933 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Sports clubs in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1933]]