sign in sign up
<<
Home , Aamby Valley City, Chandigarh Golf Club, Chashme Shahi, Delhi Golf Club, Driving range, Golf in India

Golfing Destinations in MAJOR 18-HOLE COURSES

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Eicher Goodearth Private Limited India CONTENTS

ABOUT THE BOOK Golfing in India goes back to the colonial period when the Royal Calcutta (RCGC) was founded in 1829 – the first golf club established outside the British Isles. Golfing Destinations in India, intended for the golf tourist, both international and domestic, catalogues the major 18-hole golf courses in the country, highlighting their key features and giving necessary information, as well as listing the tourist attractions around the courses to project them as ‘total’ holiday destinations. The 42 courses covered here have been listed according to their location – courses in north, south, east and west India. The handy booklet includes a chapter on the and the list of Indian Golf Tourism Association (IGTA) tour operators.

AN EICHER GOODEARTH PUBLICATION

Copyright © 2014 Eicher Goodearth Private Limited, India ISBN 978-93-80262-72-7

Editor and Publisher: Swati Mitra Design: Ayesha Sarkar Design Studio Editorial Team: Nidhi Dhingra, Parvati Sharma, Geetika Sachdev, Trinaa Prasad Photographs: Krishna Roy pp 54-55; Manoj Chhabra p 33A, Sumita Roy pp 5, 52, 53A

Special thanks to: IGTA and individual golf clubs for information and images

Great care has been taken in the compilation, updation and validation of information, and every effort has been made to ensure that all information is as up-to-date as possible at the time of going to press. However, details like green fees and timings may change. We recommend you check with the Club for latest information before you visit. Most clubs also have their own website.

All rights reserved. The Publishers would be happy to receive suggestions and corrections for inclusion in the next edition. Please write to [email protected].

Printed by Samrat Offset Pvt Ltd, New on behalf of Eicher Goodearth Pvt Ltd, India CONTENTS

History of Golf 04

Major 18-Hole Golf Courses in India NORTH INDIA • , 10 • Qutab , New Delhi 13 • DLF Golf and Country Club, 14 • Golden Greens Golf Club, Gurgaon 16 • ITC Classic Golf Resort and Country Club, Manesar 17 • Noida Golf Course, Noida 19 • Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, Greater Noida 20 • Rambagh Golf Club, Jaipur 22 • Golf Club, Chandigarh 24 • Golf Club, Panchkula 26 • Naldehra Golf Club, Naldehra 27 • Royal Springs Golf Course, 29 • Golf Course, Gulmarg 30 • Golf Course, 31 • Golf Club, Lucknow 32 • Golf Club, Bangalore 34 • Golf Association, Bangalore 36 • Clover Greens Golf Course, Bangalore 37 • Eagleton Golf Village, Bangalore 38 • Club, Bangalore 39 • Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club, Mysore 40 • Coorg Golf , Coorg 41 • Mercara Downs Golf Course, Coorg 42 • Madras Gymkhana Golf Course, 43 • Cosmopolitan Club, Chennai 45 • Golf Club, Kodaikanal 46 • Coimbatore Golf Club, Coimbatore 47 • Kovai Hills Golf and Country Club, Coimbatore 48 • Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club, Ooty 49 • Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club, 51 EAST INDIA • , 52 • Tollygunge Golf Club, Kolkata 54 • Kaziranga Golf Resort, Jorhat 56 • Digboi Golf Club Links, Digboi 57 • Shillong Golf Club, Shillong 59 WEST INDIA • Bombay Presidency Golf Club, 60 • Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai 61 • Aamby Valley Golf Course, 62 • Poona Club Golf Course, 64 • Oxford Golf and Country Club, Pune 65 • Kensville Golf and Country Club, Ahmedabad 67 • Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club, Ahmedabad 68

Golf-Tour Operators in India (IGTA) 70

Essentials while playing 72

Golfing Etiquettes 72 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

‘Kolf on Ice’ (1625) by the Dutch artist Hendrick Avercamp

History of Golf

A tolerable day, n the winter of 1297, a small Dutch town called a tolerable green, Loenen aan de Vecht may have witnessed a a tolerable opponent – Igolf-like game. Players hit a leather ball with they supply, or ought a stick into a target several hundred yards away, to supply, all that any and the one to manage it in the least number of reasonably constituted strokes was declared the winner. A similar game human should is also said to have been played in continental require in the way of Europe in the 17th century. It is generally entertainment. accepted, however, that the modern game of Arthur James, First Earl golf is a Scottish invention. Scotland’s Royal and of Balfour (1848–1930) Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, established in 1754, is among the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in the world, and something of a pilgrimage for golfing enthusiasts.

Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Scotland

4 HISTORY OF GOLF

The word golf, or gouf in Scots, is said to be a corruption of the Dutch ‘kolf’ or ‘colve’ meaning stick, club or bat.

Interestingly, the earliest records of the game in Scotland do not suggest that the game had a welcoming reception. Through an Act of the Scottish Parliament in 1457, King James II prohibited the playing of the games of gowf and football, citing them as distractions from archery – the practice of which was necessary for military Stick and ball games purposes. In the 1560s, Mary, Queen of Scots, have been around for was accused by her political enemies of playing many centuries, but golf, a ‘sport clearly unsuitable to women’. But golf as we know it slowly, acceptance for the sport grew. In 1603, today, played over the Prince of Wales and his courtiers played golf 18 holes, clearly at Blackheath, London. By the 19th century, the originated in Scotland. game’s popularity was growing exponentially. - A spokesperson In 1880, England had 12 courses; by 1887, for the Royal and it had 50; and over 1,000 by 1914. Ancient Golf Club Golf was taken by British colonisers to their of St Andrews colonies, from India to the United States of America. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (1829) and a club at Pau (1856) in south-west France are the oldest golf clubs outside the British Isles.

Despite its popularity, golf has retained an aura of exclusivity. It is a gentleman’s game, perhaps unlike any other, for its inherent sportsmanship. Players are known to frequently call penalties on themselves. All-time greats like Bobby Jones and Greg Norman have sacrificed huge tournament victories by penalising themselves when no cameras or officials were watching. Bobby Jones famously said, ‘When you cheat in golf, the only person you are cheating is yourself’.

Inside the RCGC Club House

5 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

The Jaypee Greens Golf Course in Noida, designed by Greg Norman

Golf in India

Golf was brought to India by British colonisers, making it the second golf-playing nation in the world. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), founded in 1829, is the oldest golf club outside Britain, and was followed by Bangalore Golf Club in 1876 and Shillong Golf Club in 1886.

In 1892, the RCGC organised the country’s first national-level tournament, the All-India Amateur Golf Championship. The second- oldest tournament in the world, after the British Open (1860), it was initially dominated by British players, until Mohinder Bal, an Indian, won the title in 1949.

Peacocks on the course are among the charms of the DGC HISTORY OF GOLF

The (IGU) The Professional Golfers was founded in 1955, as an apex Association of India (PGAI) body to promote and manage was founded in 1988. It has the game in India. It took over brought a flurry of golfing from the RCGC, which had events to the country, and made been following the rules of professional golfing a sought- St Andrews in Scotland. after career option.

In 1958, it was decided that the Championship would be played by rotation at Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Soon after, in 1964, the was inaugurated, and Major Billoo Sethi was the first Indian to win it in 1965. Now called the Hero Indian Open, it is a leading tournament on the Asian circuit. It was a matter of great pride when, in 1982, Delhi was chosen to host the first ever golf competition for the Asian Games.

Golfing in India has indeed come a long way. From about a dozen clubs at the end of the 19th century, it now has about 160 courses across the country. Several Indian golfers have made a name for themselves on the international circuit, including Ali Sher, , , , Shiv Chowrasia, Gaurav Ghei and . In 2014, the legendary Tiger Woods played his first ever game in India, an 18-hole exhibition match at the Delhi Golf Club.

As one may well imagine, golf Some years later, with the onset balls are easy to lose in the of World War II, the RCGC, water hazards and roughs that Tollygunge and Jodhpur clubs comprise a golf course. Indeed, began rationing balls – members these small spheres figure couldn’t buy more than four prominently in the annals of the a month. More recently, good RCGC. In the 1920s, the Club swimmers were posted next to records that a man was arrested all the RCGC’s water hazards. as he left its premises carrying If a ball went in, they dove 150 golf balls in a bag! It seems a after it! thriving demand existed for these The Royal Calcutta Golf Club: in Kolkata’s New Market. 175th Anniversary 1829-2004

The KGA Clubhouse, Bangalore GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Gulmarg has the world’s highest golf course

With its diversity of courses, each unique in its history and topography, offering fresh pleasures and challenges, India is an ideal destination for golf tourists. Besides grand old golfing institutions like the RCGC, Delhi Golf Club, or Bombay Presidency, India has the world’s highest golf course, at Gulmarg (2,700 m) in , and a host of others set against the dramatic backdrop of mountains, lakes, beaches and forests, surrounded by tea estates, or located in old British cantonments. ’s Digboi Golf Links even has an abandoned airstrip from World War II! Many of the newer courses are designed by renowned golf players, including Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman and .

In the pages that follow, we have explored India’s best 18-hole courses, and given practical details such as fees, facilities, nearest airports, etc. Besides, we have also included highlights of tourist sites near the courses, so you can experience the country even as you play the game.

Shillong Golf Club

8 MAJOR 18-HOLE GOLF COURSES

AFGHANISTAN cSRINAGAR e d CHINA SHIMLA b CHANDIGARH a9 PAKISTAN 1 DELHI2 DELHI NEPAL BHUTAN GURGAON 367 4 5 34 JAIPUR 8 f LUCKNOW 33 JORHAT 35 SHILLONG

BANGLADESH

KOLKATA 4241 AHMEDABAD 3231 MYANMAR

37 36 MUMBAI 38 39 PUNE 40 BAY OF BENGAL ARABIAN SEA 30 HYDERABAD

BANGALORE g mn hi o CHENNAI jk 25 l ANDAMANS 29 27 28 COIMBATORE LAKSHADWEEP 26

SRI LANKA Map not to scale

INDEX 1 Delhi Golf Club i Clover Greens Golf 31 Royal Calcutta 2 Qutab Golf Course Course, Bangalore Golf Club, Kolkata 3 DLF Golf and j Eagleton Golf 32 Tollygunge Golf Club, Country Club, Gurgaon Village, Bangalore Kolkata 4 Golden Greens Golf k Prestige Golfshire 33 Kaziranga Golf Resort, Club, Gurgaon Club, Bangalore Jorhat 5 ITC Classic Golf l Jayachamaraja Wodeyar 34 Digboi Golf Club Links, Resort, Manesar Golf Club, Mysore Digboi 6 Noida Golf Course m Coorg Golf Links, Coorg 35 Shillong Golf Club 7 Jaypee Greens Golf n Mercara Downs Golf 36 Bombay Presidency Resort, Greater Noida Course, Coorg Golf Club, Mumbai 8 Rambagh Golf o Madras Gymkhana 37 Willingdon Sports Club, Jaipur Golf Course, Chennai Club, Mumbai 9  p Cosmopolitan Club, 38 Aamby Valley Golf a Panchkula Golf Club Chennai Course, Lonavala b Naldehra Golf Club 26  39 Poona Club Golf c Royal Springs Golf 27 Coimbatore Golf Club Course, Pune Course, Srinagar 28 Kovai Hills Golf 40 Oxford Golf and d Gulmarg Golf Course and Country Club, Country Club, Pune e Lidder Valley Golf Coimbatore 41 Kensville Golf and Course, Pahalgam 29 Ootacamund Gymkhana Country Club, f Lucknow Golf Club Golf Club, Ooty Ahmedabad g Bangalore Golf Club 30 Boulder Hills Golf 42 Kalhaar Blues and h Karnataka Golf and Country Club, Greens Golf Club, Association, Bangalore Hyderabad Ahmedabad GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

North India

Delhi Golf Club | NEW DELHI

he Delhi Golf Club, DGC as Peacock course added to the existing it is better known, is barely 18-hole course. Undulating, narrow Ta kilometer from . fairways and deep bunkers make it Built in 1931, it was a part of the new challenging, requiring accurate play. capital city the British had built for It is also one of the busiest courses in themselves in New Delhi. The course India, with over 1,00,000 rounds of was laid out around numerous small, golf teed off in a year, and perhaps and some not so small, Tughlaq one of the busiest in Asia. DGC has and Lodhi period monuments, a seen the likes of Ernie Els and Darren location chosen by the then Chief Clarke on its fairways. Interestingly, of the Horticulture Department, in 1923 the Nizammuddin Railway who was also a keen excavator. The Station was located on the present rich flora and fauna in the course 13th fairway, known as the ‘Monkey give it a charming character, with hole’ because of the occasional an occasional peacock sauntering presence of monkeys here. across the greens or a nilgai seen disappearing behind the trees. The charming course made headlines in February 2014 when the legendary Originally known as the Lodhi golfer, Tiger Woods, played an Golf Course, it was patronised by exhibition match here on his maiden viceroys, princes and generals, and visit to India. He claimed that the has a certain degree of nostalgia narrow fairways of the course made about it. Old members would recall it challenging and exciting. golfers arriving on bicycles with their golf kits strapped on the back. While the course is open to visitors, one requires a certificate The course was redesigned by Peter (certifying less than 18 handicaps) to Thompson in 1976-77, and a 9-hole play on the 18-hole course here.

10 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Near Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi-110001 Ph: (011) 24307100 Fax: (011) 24365104 Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.delhigolfclub.org ...... How to reach Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (16 kms) ...... Weekend Designer: Peter Thompson Members guest: ` 1,100 Established: 1931 Walk-in: ` 2,750 : 72 IGU Member: ` 2,700 Foreigners: $75 Total yardage: 7,036 ...... Green fees Fee: ` 210 (Category A); Weekday ` 160 (Category B) Golf Set: ` 500 Members guest: ` 700 ...... Walk-in: ` 2,200 Tournaments: IGU Member: ` 1,800 India, Hero Indian Open, TATA Foreigners: $50 Tour, Indian , Sail, SRF

11 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

The charming Lal Bangla amidst the greens in DGC

WHILE IN DELHI BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH Visit the many historical sites of Delhi – Qutb Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, to name a few. Shop in the charming markets of the old city – Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan – and New Delhi – Dilli Haat, Janpath, Sarojini Nagar Market and the modern glitzy malls. Explore the British-feel of the many nightclubs in town. central Delhi with its gardens, Excursions beyond museums and galleries. Go for • Vrindavan (159 kms) cultural shows, shopping fests, • Agra (217 kms) exhibitions and suchlike. Explore • Chandigarh (244 kms) the numerous eating places, and • Jaipur (264 kms)

12 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Remains of Jahanpanah walls can be seen in the Qutab Golf Course

Qutab Golf Course | NEW DELHI

esigned and developed in 18-hole course, with a state-of-the- 2000 as a 9-hole course art and training facility. Dby the Delhi Development Remains of the Jahanpanah walls, Authority, Qutab Golf Course was the fourth city of Delhi, established the first public golf course in India by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in the with a ‘pay and play’ facility. 14th century, border the course In 2002 it was extended into an lending it an age-old charm.

Fact File

Address: Press Enclave, Lado Green fees Sarai, New Delhi-110030 Weekday Ph: (011) 26969127, 26965597 Walk-in: ` 300 Email: [email protected] IGU Member: ` 200 ...... Foreigners: ` 1,500 How to reach Weekend Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi Walk-in: ` 600 International Airport, Delhi (8 kms) ...... IGU Member: ` 500 Established: 2000 Foreigners: ` 2,200 ...... Par: 70 Caddie Fee: ` 200 Total yardage: 6,189 ...... : ` 450 Golf Set: ` 500

13 DLF Golf and Country Club | GURGAON

A 142-acre expanse in the here. This makes the experience of heart of Gurgaon, DLF Golf the game here exhilarating. Aand Country Club was originally designed by Arnold Palmer It is the only golf course in the and landscaped by Bell Collins. country that offers 18-holes of night golf, thus making golfing pleasurable In 2013, it became an 18-hole even in summers. Illuminated by 195-pole lighting across the course, course when a new layout came night golf is played here from April up adjoining the existing course, to December on Wednesdays, designed by Gary Player. Work on a Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. new 9-hole, also designed by Gary Player, has already commenced. It is no wonder then that DLF Golf Once it is completed this will be Course was accorded the honour of world class 27-hole facility. being the most effective course in the Indian subcontinent by the Asian The manicured greens are in 2007 and 2008. complemented by five sparkling man made lakes (interconnected by The club house has a charming underground pipes), meandering colonial character with a sun deck streams, variety of flowering plants overlooking the lake. The complex and trees and over 60 recorded boasts of the DLF Golf Academy, species of birds that can be spotted India’s first professional golf school.

14 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Phase-V, DLF City, Green fees Gurgaon, -122002 Only members and members’ Ph: (0124) 4525274, 4525253 guests allowed. No pay and play Fax: (0124) 4525282 policy for visitors. Email: [email protected] Members guest: (incl. of Website: www.dlfgolfresort.com ...... caddie fee) Weekday: ` 3,300 (18-hole); How to reach ` 3,000 (9-hole) Gurgaon borders Delhi to its Weekend: ` 5,800 (18-hole); south-west and is well connected ` 5,500 (9-hole) to the capital city by road and ...... metro. It is an hour’s from Caddie Fee: ` 800 (18-hole); the heart of Delhi. ` 500 (9-hole) Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi are mandatory. International Airport, Delhi Golf Cart: ` 1,200 (18-hole); (19 kms) ` 900 (9-hole) ...... Designers: Arnold Palmer, Tournaments: DLF Member Golf Gary Player Tournament, Mercedes Trophy Established: 1990 14th Edition (Feb 2014) Par: 72 ...... Total yardage: 7,204

WHILE IN GURGAON dance drama. Explore the many 32 KMS FROM INDIA GATE restaurants and micro-breweries BEST TIME TO VISIT: in Gurgaon. OCTOBER-MARCH Excursions beyond Visit the many sites of Delhi • Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (21 kms) (see pp 12). Visit Kingdom of • Neemrana Fort Palace (93 kms) Dreams for its culture gully and • Jaipur (234 kms)

15 Golden Greens Golf Club | GURGAON

esigned by Dr Martin Hawtree, and cleverly contoured greens that the links-style championship demand precise play and test the Dgolf course at Golden Greens skills of all levels of golfers. It has is set against the rugged Aravallis, been rated the second best golf a mere 30-min drive from the Delhi course in the country. International Airport. Though relatively new, the club ‘Golden Greens does not carve its has hosted a number of prestigious way through the landscape as much tournaments successfully. It has as it melts into the desert’ (Peter a chalet-style club house that Foster). The course has windswept offers fine dining and a bar, and dunes and the native scrub found an academy manned by certified in the Aravallis, deep pot bunkers teaching professionals.

Fact File

Address: Sector 79, Gurgaon Green fees Ph: (0124) 4969708, 4069866, Weekday 9818852200 Members guest: ` 1,000 Fax: (0124) 4969710 Walk-in and Foreigners: ` 1,600 Email: [email protected] Weekend Website: www.gggrl.com ...... Members guest: ` 2,000 Walk-in and Foreigners: ` 3,200 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi Caddie Fee: Member ` 400; International Airport, Delhi Guest ` 450 (17 kms) ...... Golf Cart: ` 1,000 (2-seater); Designer: Dr Martin Hawtree ` 1,200 (4-seater) Established: 2001 ...... Par: 72 Tournaments: TATA Steel North Total yardage: 7,100 Zone Qualifier (April 2014) ......

16 The rugged Aravallis form a splendid backdrop

ITC Classic Golf Resort and Country Club | MANESAR

he first ever Jack Nicklaus Course (3,573 yards) and Canyon course in South Asia, Classic Course (3,135 yards), each with TGolf Resort is built on a scattered bunkers and water hazards 300-acre expanse at the foothills to make the game challenging. The of the picturesque Aravallis, about Ridge and Valley course together 1.5 hrs from Delhi. A subsidiary of form the 7,114 yard championship ITC, a global chain of premier luxury course which is the regular 18-hole hotels, the course, like Nicklaus’ other course. This was the first private signature courses, is designed to be club to host the Indian Open in 2000 a thinking man’s golfing dream! and 2001.

The tactfully-designed course A luxury hotel, ITC Grand Bharat comprises of 27 holes, with a 9-hole is soon to open within the Golf Ridge Course (3,541 yards), Valley Sanctuary.

17 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: PO Hasanpur, Tehsil Green fees Tauru, Dist Mewat, Haryana Weekday Ph: 9999996099 Members guest: ` 1,750 For tournaments: 9899975557, Walk-in: ` 3,000 9971155774 Weekend Email: [email protected], Members guest: ` 3,000 [email protected] Walk-in: ` 4,500 Website: www.cgronline.com ...... Caddie Fee: ` 550 (18-hole) How to reach Manesar, 27 kms from Gurgaon Golf Cart: ` 1,100 (18-hole); Toll, is about 1.5 hours drive from ` 650 (9-hole) the centre of Delhi. Golf Set: ` 1,000 Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi ...... International Airport, Delhi Tournaments: Indian Open, (35 kms) Championship, ...... PGTI Designer: Jack Nicklaus ...... Established: 1997 Par: 72 Total yardage: 10,249

Flowers in bloom at the Classic Golf Resort

18 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

NOIDA Golf Course | NOIDA

97-acre oasis of green in the The 7th hole – a 365 yards par 4 – modern township of Noida, is amongst the most testing on A the championship golf course the course. is spectacularly laid out to suit both amateur and professional golfers. A historical monument can be seen Set up by the Noida Authority in in the precincts, commemorating 1989, NGC is only a short drive from the soldiers who died in the 1803 Delhi or can even be accessed by Battle of Delhi that was fought the metro. here between the British and the Marathas during the Second Anglo- Assessed by Indian Golf Union Maratha War. The mound on which Technical Committee, the course this monument stands serves as an has lush green fairways bound by elevated off for the 16th hole bunkers, trees and water hazards. (Championship Tee).

19 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: Capt. Shashikant Established: 1989 Sharma Marg, Sector 38, Par: 72 Noida-201301 Total yardage: 6,989 Ph: (0120) 4222111, 4222942 Closed Mondays Fax: (0120) 4274083 ...... Email: [email protected] Green fees Website: www.noidagolfcourse. Weekday com ...... Members guest/ Walk-in: ` 600 Foreigners: ` 1,800 How to reach NOIDA borders Delhi to its south- Weekend east and is well connected to the Members guest/ Walk-in: capital city by the DND Flyway ` 1,200 and metro. It is an hour’s drive Foreigners: ` 2,400 ...... from the heart of Delhi. Caddie Fee: Varies with Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi Category A & B International Airport, Delhi (28 kms) Golf Cart: ` 400-600 ...... Tournaments: PGTI, Toyota Tour Cup

WHILE IN NOIDA / Bird Sanctuary, and Surajpur GREATER NOIDA Wetland, Greater Noida. 14 KMS FROM INDIA GATE, Excursions beyond NEW DELHI VIA DND FLYWAY. (via Exp) BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH • Vrindavan (139 kms) Visit the many sites of Delhi • Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (see pp 12). Check out the Buddh (193 kms) International Circuit, India’s first • Agra (205 kms) F1 track in Greater Noida, Okhla • Fatehpur Sikri (211 kms)

Jaypee Greens Golf Resort | GREATER NOIDA

pread over 452 acres of land, for amateurs. It has some of the best Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, Bermuda greens in the country. Sopened in 2001, has India’s Nine huge lakes, five small ponds, first championship golf course and 88 uniquely shaped bunkers are designed by the legendary Greg strewn over the course. Norman. At 7,343 yards from the championship tee, it is the longest The Jaypee Greens Golf Academy course in the country and one of offers state-of-the-art facilities the longest in Asia. and innovative teaching methods. The club was awarded the ‘Best As with other Norman’s designs, the Tourism Friendly Golf Course’ by layout challenges the very best of the Govt of India, Ministry of Tourism professionals, and yet is enjoyable in 2009-10.

20 Fact File

Address: G-Block, Surajpur Green fees Kasna Road, Greater Noida- Weekdays 201308 Members guest: ` 1,750 + tax Ph: (0120) 2326725, 2326533 Walk-in: ` 4,000 + tax Fax: (0120) 2324720 Weekends & Holidays Email: [email protected] Members guest: ` 4,500 + tax Website: www.jaypeegreensgolf. Walk-in: ` 6,000 + tax com ...... Caddie Fee: ` 500 per round How to reach 20 kms from Noida, Greater Golf Cart: ` 1100 + tax (18-hole); Noida is easily accessed from ` 750 + tax (9-hole) Delhi via the Expressway. Golf Set Rental: ` 800 Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport, Driving Range Fee: ` 300 + tax ...... Delhi (49 kms) ...... Tournaments: Designer: Greg Norman , Established: 2001 Louis Philippe Cup Par: 72 Total yardage: 7,347 Closed on Mondays

21 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Moti Dungri fortress overlooks the greens at Rambagh

Rambagh Golf Club | JAIPUR

he picturesque Rambagh Golf Singh II to get a golf course laid Club, next to the Ambedkar out in Jaipur and this course was TCircle, overlooks the Moti thus established with the help of Dungri Palace and Nahargarh Fort, seasoned golfers. transporting one to an era long gone. In fact the course itself has its A championship course, Rambagh origins in royalty. Golf Club is today affiliated with the Indian Golf Union. With nine Maharani Gayatri Devi, of the greens and nine browns, its fairways erstwhile princely state of Jaipur, pass through the Rambagh Polo was so taken up by the sport on Grounds, while its lower course with her vacation to Gulmarg in 1943, nine browns is spread over a rough that she requested Maharaja Man undulating terrain.

22 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Ambedkar Circle, Walk-in: ` 550 Bhawani Singh Road, Foreigners: ` 1,100 Jaipur-302005 ...... Ph: (0141) 2385239, 2385482 Caddie Fee: Varies with Email: info@rambaghgolfclub. Category A & B com Golf Cart Website: www.rambaghgolfclub. Members: ` 375 com ...... Indian visitors: ` 600 Foreigners: ` 1,000 How to reach Nearest airport: Jaipur Airport Golf Set (10 kms) Indians: ` 115 ...... Foreigners: ` 225 Established: 1944 ...... Par: 70 Tournaments: IGU Tour, PGTI, Total yardage: 6,303 Mercedes Trophy 14th edition ...... (Feb 2014) Green fees Members guest: ` 275

PGTI Feeder Tour, 2013

WHILE IN JAIPUR BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH Visit the many monuments and museums in and around the Pink City – Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall Museum, Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort. Visit Chokhi Dhani for a taste of traditional . Try the local cuisine - Dal Baati Excursions beyond Churma, Missi Roti, Ghewar. Shop • Ajmer (131 kms) for silver jewellery, meenakari • Pushkar (145 kms) work, blue pottery, miniature • Bikaner (333 kms) paintings, juttees, in Johri Bazaar. • Jodhpur (338 kms)

23 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Chandigarh Golf Club | CHANDIGARH

ucked in a posh locality in This golf course is one of the few Chandigarh, close to the that has a flood-lit driving range, Tpicturesque Sukhna Lake, which makes it easier for a good Chandigarh Golf Club is popularly game after dusk. It comes as no called the ‘Cradle of Indian Golf’. surprise that the club has produced Founded in 1962, the club spread Indian champions like Jeev Milkha over 132 acres was a 9-hole course Singh, Amandeep Johl, Harneet until the early 1980s, after which Kahlon and Irina Brar, among others. it was made into an 18-hole It offers training to aspiring golfers. facility conforming to international standards. Chandigarh Golf Club boasts of a renovated club house with a swanky The fairway here is lined with multi-cuisine restaurant and bar. , eucalyptus and jamun trees, Besides, there’s a solar-powered making it challenging for golfers. all-weather pool, and a health club. The club also has one of the longest par-5s in the country –the seventh It is believed that the club has a long hole measures 613 yards. waitlist for membership.

24 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Sector 6, Near Punjab Weekend Bhawan, Chandigarh-160019 Members guest: ` 1,000 Ph: (0172) 2740327, 2740350 Foreigners: $50 ...... Telefax: (0172) 2741047 Email: [email protected] Practice Fee Weekdays (for all categories): Website: www. ` 50 chandigarhgolfclub.in ...... Weekends (for all categories): How to reach ` 70 Nearest airport: Chandigarh ...... International Airport (12 kms) Caddie fees ...... Category A: 80 (9-hole); Established: 1962 100 (14-hole); 140 (18-hole) Par: 72 Category B: 70 (9-hole); Total yardage: 7,202 90 (14-hole); 120 (18-hole) ...... Green fees Category C: 60 (9-hole); 80 (14-hole); 100 (18-hole) Weekday ...... Members guest: ` 400 Foreigners: $35

Ace golfer, Jeev Mikha Singh

WHILE IN CHANDIGARH beautiful Sukhna Lake. BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEP-MARCH Excursions beyond Visit the Rock Garden, Rose Garden, • Gardens (25 kms) Le Corbusier Centre, Government • Kasauli (63 kms) Museum and Art Gallery and the • Shimla (128 kms)

25 Panchkula Golf Club (PGC) | PANCHKULA

et against a backdrop of the and difficult Par 3’s, which are the rolling Shivalik hills, and with ingredients of a challenging game. Sthe gurgling Ghaggar river The club also offers a children’s for company, Panchkula Golf Club, putting green with training facility. is a very picturesque golf course. With vast swathes of greenery, The PGC is a public sports facility PGC regularly hosts premier golfing and part of a large sports complex events and is also one of the venues run by the Haryana government. during the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). It also boasts of a modern club house with a restaurant, bar and Golfers can tee off at this exquisitely a health club. The terrace offers laid out 135-acre course with panoramic views of the Shivalik hills narrow fairways, varying elevation a pretty sight.

Fact File

Address: Sector 3, Green fees Panchkula- 134113 Weekday Ph: (0172) 2587594 Walk-in: ` 500 Fax: (0172) 2585947 Foreigners: ` 500 Email: panchkulagolfclub@ Weekend yahoo.com Walk-in: ` 500 Website: www. Foreigners: ` 700 panchkulagolfclub.in ...... Caddie fees How to reach Weekday: ` 50 (Category A), Nearest airport: Chandigarh ` 40 (Category B) International Airport (14 kms)...... Weekend: ` 40 (Category A), Established: 2002 ` 75 (Category B) Par: 72 Club Set: ` 50 Total yardage: 6,904 ......

26 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Naldehra Golf Club | NALDEHRA

nly 22 kms away from the hill bordered with flowering shrubs and resort of Shimla is Naldehra thick woods. OGolf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in India, perched at an The course is divided into two parts altitude of 2,200 m and draped in by a road that serves as a link to deodar trees. Its design is reminiscent Shimla and other neighbouring of Scottish link courses. It was towns, so it is a common sight to established in 1905 by the then see golfers hit across the road. The Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, who undulating landscape demands lofty was so mesmerised by the beauty of and sure shots, as a stray ball would Naldehra that he would often camp tend to roll off the hillside into the here for days together. In fact, he ‘out-of-bounds’ areas. named his third daughter Alexandra Naldehra, after this small town! It is worth spending your time here in the lap of nature; make it a point It was originally a 9-hole course, but to stay in the log huts nestled in the management felt the need to the deodar forests of Naldehra. add more greens and offer a more Birdwatchers can have the time of challenging experience to visiting their lives spotting exotic species. golfers. The course offers spectacular Naldehra is much more than just a views of the and is game of golf!

27 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: PO Durgapur, Naldehra, Established: 1905 Shimla-171012 Par: 68 Ph: (0177) 2747656 Total yardage: 4,285 Email: vermapartapsingh@ ...... rediffmail.com Green fees Website: www.naldehragolf.com ...... Walk-in: ` 250 How to reach Foreigners: ` 500 Nearest airport: Shimla Airport ...... (60 kms) Caddie fees: ` 80 Club Set: ` 250

WHILE IN SHIMLA BEST TIME TO VISIT: APRIL-OCTOBER Shimla is ensconced in a dense cedar forest and offers spectacular vistas of the majestic snow-clad peaks. While you are here, walk around the Mall where commercial enterprises stand tall next to colonial edifices, churches and other landmarks. Christ Church, built in 1857, Excursions beyond is North India’s second oldest • Mashobra (12 kms) church. The impressive building is • Kufri (16 kms) right on the Ridge and its stained- • Chail (45 kms) glass windows are worth seeing. • Tattapani (51 kms)

28 Royal Springs Golf Course | SRINAGAR

pread over an area of 300 The view of the from the acres, this picturesque course tee box of the fifth hole will put Soverlooking the serene Dal any golfer’s attention to test. Those Lake and the fir-covered slopes of looking for a mid-game break the Zabarwan Hills, was designed will appreciate the tea shelters by the world-renowned golf course conveniently located along the architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr II. course’s sidelines. The expanse of vibrant green offers The golf course encloses a rare grove views of the 17th century Mughal of cork oaks planted by Dogra ruler, garden, Chashme Shahi, and was Hari Singh, in 1947. Cork was in great listed as India’s number one golf demand at the time for making wine course by in 2011. bottle stoppers.

Fact File

Address: Chashme Shahi, Closed on Tuesdays Boulevard Road, Srinagar- ...... 190001 Green fees Ph: (0194) 2501178, 2501179 Indian visitors: ` 1,500 Email: director@ Foreigners: $40 ...... royalspringsgolfcourse.com Website: www. Caddie fees: ` 250 (18-hole) royalspringsgolfcourse.com ` 150 (9-hole) ...... How to reach Major tournaments Nearest airport: Srinagar The Greater Kashmir Autumn Airport (18 kms) Golf Festival, a three-day golfing ...... tournament, is held at the Royal Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr II Springs Golf Course, Lidder Established: 2001 Valley Golf Course in Pahalgam Par: 72 and Gulmarg Golf Club, every Total yardage: 6,985 October.

29 WHILE IN SRINAGAR Excursions beyond BEST TIME TO VISIT: APRIL-OCTOBER • Doodhpatri (42 kms) • Yousmarg (47 kms) Your hotel concierge can • Gulmarg (48 kms) organise a boat ride on Dal • (58 kms) Lake. Srinagar’s fragrant Mughal • (70 kms) gardens, the beautiful Pari Mahal, • Pahalgam (86 kms) Shankaracharya Temple and Mosque are worth a visit.

Gulmarg Golf Course | GULMARG

ulmarg has the world’s when a 6-hole course was highest golf course, situated established here by Colonel Gat an altitude of 2,650 m. The Neville Chamberlain. The first golf historic Gulmarg Golf Club was built championship was played in Gulmarg in 1911 by the British, who used the in 1922, and it hosted the Northern place as a holiday resort. Redesigned India Championship until 1989. in 2011, the 18-hole golf course welcomes golfing enthusiasts on a The course remains closed from daily basis. December to April, when it is covered with snow. A limited amount The origin of Gulmarg as the of golfing equipment is available for ‘Golfing Mecca’ of India can be hire, so it is advised that you bring traced to the late 19th century, your own kit.

The quaint club house of the Gulmarg course

30 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Gulmarg town, Green fees Gulmarg Members guest: ` 1,200 Ph: (01954) 254507 (18-hole); ` 800 (9-hole) ...... Foreigners: ` 1,800 (18-hole) How to reach ` 1,200 (9-hole) Nearest airport: Srinagar ...... Airport (56 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 300 (18-hole) Established: 1911 ` 200 (9-hole) Par: 72 Total yardage: 7,505

WHILE IN GULMARG The gondola cable car BEST TIME TO VISIT: MARCH-OCT Go skiing and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley. Ride the Gondola cable car, Asia’s longest ropeway, to the mighty Mt Apharwat.

Lidder Valley Golf Course | PAHALGAM

et in the picturesque town This course needs you to be physically of Pahalgam with a stunning fit – several tee points will require Sbackdrop of fir-covered an uphill walk. Championships mountains is the Lidder Valley Golf are organised here by the state Course. Designed by Ranjit Nanda, government and private hoteliers in this scenic 18-hole course, situated the summers. If you require a golf cart, please book in advance, as there at an altitude of 2,209 m, is a are only a limited number of carts. challenging course especially with its narrow fairways and several water The course remains closed in winters hazards. due to heavy snowfall.

Fact File

Address: Golf Club road, Designer: Ranjit Nanda (Close to Mansion Hotel) Established: 2011 Pahalgam Par: 71 Ph: (01936) 243049 Total yardage: 7,000 ...... How to reach Green fees (all days, all Nearest airport: Srinagar categories): ` 1,200 Airport (95 kms) ...... Caddie Fee: ` 180 Golf Cart: ` 500

31 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

WHILE IN PAHALGAM Mamaleshwar Temple. Shop for BEST SEASON TO VISIT: MID-APRIL soft rugs, shawls, wall hangings TO MID-NOVEMBER and walnut- furniture from the main market. Pahalgam is flanked by steep, fir-clad hills and snow-capped mountains, and watered by the torrential Lidder. While you are here, visit the , an idyllic spot of picnics and a popular location for several movie shoots. Also, don’t forget to visit , Tulian Lake and

Lucknow Golf Club | LUCKNOW

ucknow Golf Club, established that would stray into the course. in 1950, is located near After independence, the Club shut Lthe heart of Lucknow city, down. between Martinpurva (now an urban village named after the 18th In 1948, some golfers came together and under the patronage of the century Frenchman, Claude Martin, then state governor Homi Mody, the founder of La Martiniere College) on Golf Club came to be known as Raj one side, and on the Bhawan Golf Course (named after other side. The course spreads over Raj Bhawan, the official residence of 70 acres and has lush green fairways the Governor). with big trees and lakes. Today, the club has grown by leaps There is no documentary proof and bounds and offers golfing regarding when the Lucknow Golf facilities at par with international Course was laid out. Before 1947, norms. It also boasts of a club house it was a part of the United Services with two multi-cuisine restaurants, Club and had its headquarters at a bar and banquet facilities. the Chhattar Manzil. It is believed that the course originally had LGC has also hosted PGA 9 to 12 greens and ropes were tournaments, besides local thrown around to ward off cattle competitions.

32 GOLF COURSES IN NORTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: 1, Kalidas Marg, near Established: 1950 Martinpurva, Lucknow-226001 Par: 70 Ph: (0522) 2239275, Total yardage: 6,355 08127479184 ...... Email: [email protected] Green fees Website: www.lgc.in Weekday ...... Walk-in: ` 225 How to reach Foreigners: ` 565 Nearest airport: Chaudhary Weekend Charan Singh Airport (13 kms Walk-in: ` 340 from Lucknow) ...... Foreigners: ` 845 ......

WHILE IN LUCKNOW history of Lucknow. In the BEST SEASON TO VISIT: evening, you can go ‘gunging’ OCTOBER-MARCH at Hazratganj, pick up intricately embroidered chikankari outfits A wealth of culture defines and gorge on succulent kababs Lucknow. From the exquisite and delicious sweetmeats! architecture of Bada Imambara to the chaos at the Chowk, Lucknow Excursions beyond has it all. Visit the Qaiserbagh, • Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary The Residency and Darwaza (43 kms) and delve deep into the rich • Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (224 kms)

Bara Imambara complex

33 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

South India

Bangalore Golf Club | BANGALORE

ne of the oldest golf courses two golf clubs. With 52 bunkers, two in India, Bangalore Golf Club water bodies, flowering trees lining Owas on the itinerary of former the tight fairways, and a large raft of British Prime Minister, Winston ducks wandering about, this 60-acre Churchill, who was transferred to golf course located at the very centre India in 1896 as a war correspondent. of the busy city of Bangalore, stands Established in 1876, this golf course out for its beautiful design and layout was originally a 12-hole course and and is a difficult course to conquer! was redesigned and upgraded to an 18-hole course in 2002 by Phil Ryan The large club house boasts of the of Pacific Coast Design. The inter-club popular The Pudy’s Bar and Lounge, matches between Madras Gymkhana the Eagle’s Nest which offers Club and Bangalore Golf Club, which comfortable standard, deluxe and began in 1878, are the world’s oldest family suites, a gym and spa, a well- such continuing competition between stocked library and billiards room.

34 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: No.2, Sankey Road, Walk-in: ` 1,000 High Grounds, Bangalore-560001 Foreigners: $25 Ph: (080) 43494949 Weekend Fax: (080) 22257997 Members guest: ` 2,000 Email: [email protected] Walk-in: ` 2,000 Website: www.bgc1876.com Foreigners: $50 ...... How to reach Club Set: ` 500 (members), Nearest airport: Bengaluru ` 750 (guests) International Airport (32 kms) ...... Tournaments: Soli K Dastur Established: 1876 Memorial Trophy, Independence Par: 70 Shield, Shantanu Gurjer Memorial Total yardage: 6118 ...... Trophy, Ravi Kirloskar Memorial Trophy, Straight Drive Charity Green fees Golf Tournament, Captain’s Weekday , BGC Ladies Tournament, Members guest: ` 1,000 Governor’s Cup

WHILE IN BANGALORE BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-FEB Alongside its modern chrome and glass corporate offices, Bangalore has some lovely green parks, botanical gardens and historical monuments. The ancient Begur Nageshwara Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Mayo Hall and St Francis Xavier Cathedral are all worth a visit. Those who want to indulge in a bit of retail Excursions from Bangalore therapy can try the city’s neon-lit • Bannerghatta National Park commercial centres on the busy (21 kms) Brigade Road and MG Road. • Nandi Hills (65 kms)

35 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Karnataka Golf Association | BANGALORE

he magnificent 117-acre pool, a gym, a health club, a pro Karnataka Golf Association shop and a restaurant. The club Twas established in 1973 and also provides a panel of professional it is hard to believe that it was once trainers for individual coaching. a part of the Challaghatta swamp. Renovated and redesigned by The most well-known face associated , Peter Thompson, with this club is Chinnaswamy in 2008, the greens here are laid out Muniyappa, once a caddie lugging around 14 water bodies, 78 bunkers around heavy club sets, before he and six hazards. The huge colonial- became a professional golfer and went style club house has a swimming on to win the Indian Open in 2009.

Fact File

Address: No.1 Golf Avenue, Walk-in: ` 1,500 Kodihalli, Off Airport Road, PB Foreigners: ` 1,500 No. 817, Bangalore-560008 Weekend Ph: (080) 40090000/01 Members guest: ` 800 Email: [email protected] Walk-in: ` 3,000 Website: www.kga.in ...... Foreigners: ` 3,000 ...... How to reach Tournaments: South Zone Nearest airport: Bengaluru Feeder and Sub Junior Tour - International Airport (42 kms) ...... Karnataka Juniors, IGU Southern India Juniors 2014, USHA Designer: Peter Thompson Southern India Ladies Amateur, Opened in: 1973 TATA Steel Southern India Par: 72 Amateur, TATA Steel Amateur Total yardage: 7,227 ...... Golf Championship of India, Green fees USHA All India Ladies Amateur Weekday Members guest: ` 500

36 Clover Greens Golf Course | BANGALORE

lover Greens Golf Course, which the course is spread over 100 acres began operations in 2009, is of luxurious greens and has four Cdesigned to be eco-friendly, water bodies, 64 bunkers and seven where the fairway grass is all native hazards. and drought resistant, requiring water that is a fraction of conventional golf The in-house golf academy at courses. This course is situated inside Clover Greens Golf Course includes Clover Greens with its luxury villas a double-storeyed practice range and houses on Sarjapur Road and is with ten bays for as many golfers. barely an hour’s drive from the heart Today, it has become a very popular of Bangalore. Conceived by Phil Ryan weekend golfing destination for of Pacific Coast Design, Australia, those in and around Bangalore.

Fact File

Address: Sarjapur-Attibele Road Green fees 6th Main Indiranagar, Hal 2nd Weekday Stage, Bangalore - 560038 Members guest: ` 600 Ph: (080) 41254472 Walk-in: ` 1,100 Email: [email protected] Foreigners: ` 1,100 Website: www.clovergreens. Weekend assetzhomes.com ...... Members guest: ` 1,100 Walk-in: ` 2,100 How to reach Foreigners: ` 2,100 Nearest airport: Bengaluru Airport ...... via Outer Ring Road (67 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 300 Trolley: ` 200 Designer: Phil Ryan Club Set: ` 300 Opened in: 2009 Par: 70 Total yardage: 6,000

37 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Eagleton Golf Village | BANGALORE

pread over 168 acres of lush Eagleton also runs a golf academy green landscape, Eagleton Golf which has provisions for long SVillage was established in 1999 game driving range, practice and is set in the midst of a realty putting and bunker areas, and a project. Located 33 kms outside digital game analysis laboratory Bangalore, Eagleton makes for an with a trained expert. Eagleton ideal weekend destination. Open Golf Village also has provisions for throughout the year, Eagleton was poolside volleyball, squash, indoor designed by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast badminton, table , billiards, Design and has seven water bodies, cricket, lawn tennis, horse riding 63 bunkers and two hazards. and even archery.

Fact File

Address: Bangalore-Mysore Weekend Highway, Shyanamangala Cross, Members guest: ` 2,500 Bidadi (Bangalore Rural) -562109 Walk-in: ` 2,500 Ph: (080) 22632222, 9845811114 Foreigners: ` 2,500 Fax: (080) 22632233 ...... Email: [email protected] Caddie fees: ` 200-250 Website: www.eagletonindia.com Golf Cart: ` 600-850 ...... Club Set: ` 1,300 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Bengaluru Tournaments: PGTI - Eagleburg Airport via Ring Road (72 kms) Open, IGU Karnataka Juniors, ...... TATA Steel Karnataka Amateur, Designer: Phil Ryan, Pacific IGU All India Juniors, ICICI Masters Coast Design Tournament, Mercedes Benz Opened in: 1999 Tournament, Kotak Mahindra Par: 72 Tournament, ACMA Tournament, Total yardage: 7,100 Take Solution Tournament, ...... XEROX Tournament, Business Green fees Today Tournament, Stan Chart Weekday Tournament, ESPN Tournament, Members guest: ` 1,250 Spice Telecom Tournament, CISCO Walk-in: ` 1,250 Systems Tournament, Ladies Foreigners: ` 1,250 European Tour

38 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

Prestige Golfshire Club | BANGALORE

uilt and developed by the provides one of the finest golfing Prestige Group, Prestige and residential facilities in India. BGolfshire Club is situated The vast landscape is dotted with 45 kms from central Bangalore, fourteen water bodies, 85 bunkers and is a stone’s throw away from and a decent foliage cover. Bengaluru International Airport. The club also has a wellness zone, With the misty Nandi Hills rising in a squash court, billiards room, the backdrop and Lake Karehalli cards room, gym, a multi-cuisine bordering it partially, this semi- restaurant and bar, Falcon Greens. private resort cum golf club is spread Stylish, sleek, contemporary and over 275 acres of luxurious greens. convenient, this club house has Designed by Bob Hunt, this course everything one needs to rejuvenate started operations in 2011 and on a holiday.

Fact File

Address: Nandi Hills Road, Total yardage: 7,004 Karahalli Post, Kundana Hobli Mondays closed Devanahalli Taluk, ...... Bangalore-562110 Green fees Ph: (080) 28015800, 8861003650 Weekday Email: golfreservations@ Walk-in: ` 2,000 golfshire.com Website: www.golfshire.com Weekend ...... Walk-in: ` 4,000 ...... How to reach Nearest airport: Bengaluru Club Set: ` 1,650 ...... International Airport (12 kms) ...... Tournaments: Vodafone Tee Designer: Bob Hunt Walk, Mercedes Trophy, Toyota Opened in: 2011 IGU NHS National Club Challenge ...... Par: 72

39 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club | MYSORE

little outside the charming Once the haunt of the British, this city of Mysore, with the club was established in 1906, and Aexquisite Chamundi hills was recently redesigned by Phil in the backdrop, is the 110-acre Ryan of Pacific Coast Design; it Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club. currently has three water bodies, Named after a former Maharaja of 37 bunkers and two hazards. On the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore, Mondays, the holes inside the race this course is situated inside Mysore track remain off limits to golfers Race Club premises and remains till 8.30 am, while the horses are closed during racing season. trained for racing.

Fact File

Address: Maharana Pratap Singh Green fees Road, Nazarbad, Weekday Mysore-570010, Karnataka Members guest: ` 300 Ph: (0821) 2433185, 6450620 Walk-in: ` 300 Fax: (0821) 2538457 Foreigners: ` 300 Email: [email protected], Weekend [email protected] Members guest: ` 300 Website: www.jwgcmysore.com Walk-in: ` 300 ...... Foreigners: ` 300 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Bengaluru Caddie fees: ` 100-120 International Airport via Bangalore- : ` 10 Mysore Road (178 kms) Club Set: ` 250 ...... Designer: Phil Ryan Tournaments: South Zone Opened in: 1905 Feeder and Sub Junior Tour, IGU Par: 70 JWGC Karnataka Ladies Amateur, Total yardage: 6,217 Mahendra Patel Memorial Cup, Doctor’s Cup, Dolphins Cup, Air Force Cup, Eagles Hebron Cup, Skytop Open Golf Cup

40 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

WHILE IN MYSORE BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEP-MARCH The former capital of Mysore state, Mysore city is a charming mix of the old and the new! Do visit Amba Vilas Palace, the official residence of the royal family of the Wodeyar dynasty. Brindavan Gardens, Jagmohan Palace and Excursions beyond Lalitha Mahal are the other major • (77 kms) attractions here. • (88 kms)

Coorg Golf Links | COORG

ituated at an elevation of This course, which lies amidst Coorg 1,067 m above sea level, coffee plantations, is acknowledged to SCoorg Golf Links is located in be one of the toughest to manoeuvre the lap of the minty green Western in the country, because of its varying Ghats and makes for a peaceful altitudes and temperamental mountain golfing destination. breeze. With over 40 bunkers and 14 water bodies dotting the grounds here, The dream project of two friends, this is but expected. KK Aiyappa and CS Nanjappa, Coorg Golf Links has a club house The club does not provide equipment with six bedrooms, a restaurant, a or golf carts and this can prove to be bar, and a card room for bridge and a hindrance for senior citizens. But rummy. The golf course is located those up for a long walk with the hills next to the luxurious Ambatty for company and golf for sport will Greens Resort, thereby making it a find Coorg Golf Links an unmatchable popular corporate retreat. experience!

41 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: Ambatti village, Green fees: ` 250 Mysore main road, Bittangala Weekday Post, Virajpet-571218 Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 500 Ph: (08274) 256252, 9740260346 Weekend Email: [email protected], Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 500 [email protected] Please make prior tee reservations Website: www.coorggolflinks.in ...... in advance. Those affiliated with other club houses may get a How to reach concession. Nearest airports: Mangalore, ...... via the SH 88 (171 kms) Caddie fees: ` 150 (18 holes), Bengaluru International Airport ` 100 (9 holes) on all days via NH 75 (304 kms) ...... Tournaments: Services Established: 1992 Challenge Trophy Par: 70 Total yardage: 6,000

WHILE IN COORG in the true beauty of the coffee BEST TIME TO VISIT: ANYTIME! plantations, with a holiday Nestled in the bosom of the in one of the many heritage gloriously green hills, Coorg is bungalows that offer old world a nature lovers’ haven. Coorg charm combined with the latest offers opportunities to indulge mod cons.

Mercara Downs Golf Course | COORG

ocated outside Madikeri it a challenging course for first timers. town, Mercara Downs Golf Because of its rolling greens, the LCourse is blessed with a serene sweet smelling coffee plantations in landscape and a colonial history. the background, the hillocks, and Said to have been built sometime the fresh nippy breeze, this golf during the 1800s, it is difficult to course reminded British officers of ascertain the exact year as the club’s their native countryside in Britain original documents have been lost. and was a much frequented haunt. This 80-acre golf course is situated Nestled in the hills, the club house at an altitude of 1,097 m and this here is fairly new, and has been combined with three water bodies, strategically built to protect against 53 bunkers and five hazards, makes the chilly mountain breeze.

42 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Galibeedu Village, Par: 70 PO Box 79, Madikeri-571201 Total yardage: 5,584 Karnataka ...... Ph: (08272) 223516/200020 Green fees Website: www. Weekday mercaradownsgolf.com Members guest: ` 400 ...... Walk-in: ` 500 How to reach Foreigners: ` 500 Nearest airport: Mangalore Weekend International Airport via Members guest: ` 400 SH 88 (143 kms) Walk-in: ` 500 Bangalore International Airport Foreigners: ` 500 via Bangalore - Mangalore ...... Highway (274 kms) Caddie fees: ` 150 (18 holes), ...... ` 80 (10 holes)

Madras Gymkhana Golf Course | CHENNAI

he Madras Gymkhana Golf was originally 9-hole and became a Course is a 6,690 yard, par-72 18-hole much later. Originally played Tcourse set within a horse race off the browns, the greens came track. Known for its windy corridor about only in the 1880’s. and tricky roughs, it is part of the at Island Col Ross Thompson was the first Grounds, . Captain of this Golf Club and in the year 1878, the first inter-club The Madras Golf Club was competition between Madras established in 1877, after Royal Gymkhana Club and Bangalore Golf Calcutta Golf Club and the Bangalore Club teed off. This remains to date Golf Club, were set up. The Golf the world’s oldest such continuing Course was originally laid out at competition between two golf the Island Grounds in Annasalai, clubs. In the year 2002, the golf club before it was shifted to in the 1880’s. The golf course, now celebrated 125 years of golf, a feat referred to as Golf Course Annexe, very few golf clubs outside Great Britain can boast of.

Madras Gymkhana Club

43 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: The Island, Anna Salai, Total yardage: 6,600 Chennai-600002 ...... Ph: (044) 22300093 Green fees Telefax: (044) 25368364 Weekday Email: info@ Members guest: ` 675 madrasgymkhanaclub.com Foreigners: ` 900 Website: www. Weekend madrasgymkhanaclub.com Members guest: ` 2,050 ...... Foreigners: ` 2,300 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Chennai Caddie fees: ` 200 International Airport (20 kms) ...... Established: 1877 Par: 70

WHILE IN CHENNAI You can also gorge on the local BEST TIME TO VISIT: NOV-FEB cuisine and attend cultural music programmes. Visit , the chariot- shaped Dravidian temple that Excursions beyond has 1,300 verses from the epic • (56 kms) Thirukural inscribed on its granite • Kanchipuram (75 kms) pillars. Also, go to Fort St George, the first fortress that was built in India by the East India Company. Take a guided tour through the Fort to see the best of this heritage monument. Another popular jaunt is San Thome Church, dedicated to St Thomas.

44 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

Cosmopolitan Club | CHENNAI

ocated in the heart of the busy bunkering and overhead cover. Mount road, overlooking the Some of the fairways are extremely L , is Chennai’s most narrow with heavy tree cover and popular golf course, Cosmopolitan strategic play often decides a good Club. Built in the late 1930s, with or a great game here. the greens spread over an area of The club house here has an excellent 80 acres, it was inaugurated by the 19th hole. A must-visit is the then Governor General of India, refreshment hut at the 8th-9th hole Hon’ble Victor Alexander Hope, junction, which serves sumptuous 2nd Marquess of Linlithgow. south Indian fare.

This is a relatively short course, but It also has a well-stocked makes up for it with its clever design, with golf clubs on hire.

Fact File

Address: PB No 371, 63 Anna Total yardage: 6,599 Salai, Chennai-600002 ...... Ph: (044) 28525836, 28525141, Green fees 28525004 Weekday Telefax: (044) 28414356 Members guest: ` 650 Email: contact@ Walk-in: ` 750 cosmoclubchennai.com Foreigners: ` 1,500 Website: www. Weekend cosmoclubchennai.com Members guest: ` 1,500 ...... Walk-in: ` 1,500 How to reach Foreigners: ` 1,500 Nearest airport: Chennai ...... International Airport (20 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 175 (Category A), ` 150 (Category B), ` 100 Established: 1938 (Category B) Par: 72

45 Kodaikanal Golf Club | KODAIKANAL

pread over 150 acres, golf. The club still follows its age- Kodaikanal Golf Club, located old tradition of the new Captain, S6 kms southwest of the main driving into office off the first tee. city, is nestled amidst dense forests, Earlier, the captains would rotate gurgling streams and wooded hills between an Indian, American or a at an elevation of 2,200 m. This golf Commonwealth citizen, but now course abounds in wildlife, so do only Indians are eligible for this post. not be surprised if you are greeted Each hole at this picturesque golf by a wild boar at the 4th hole or course tests your skill; especially the a barking deer bounding across the steep slopes and the strong breeze 8th fairway! make it a challenge for the most seasoned golfer too! This club was founded in 1895, when 12 golf enthusiasts posing KGC has a conference hall, a as hikers came across this verdant bar and a dining hall, apart from grassland and thought it best suited accommodation for members.

Fact File

Address: Pillar Rocks Road, Established: 1895 Kodaikanal- 624101 Par: 71 Ph: (04542) 240323 Total yardage: 6,109 Telefax: (04542) 241255 ...... Email: [email protected] Green fees Website: www.kodaigolf.com Weekday ...... Members guest: ` 250+ tax How to reach Weekend Nearest airport: Madurai Members guest: ` 300+ tax International Airport (135 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 200

46 WHILE IN KODAIKANAL sure to take your breath away. BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEPT-MAY Also visit the Shenbaganur Museum and Chettiar Park. You can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains when you take Excursions beyond the Coaker’s walk. A must-visit • Perumal Peak (21 kms) is the star shaped Kodai lake set • Madurai (115 kms) amidst lush green hills, which is

Coimbatore Golf Club | COIMBATORE

ounded in 1977, the out, but later in 1985, Coimbatore’s Coimbatore Golf Club leading industrialist Late K Rajagopal F (CGC) nestled in the Nilgiri of Lakshmi Mills developed the course hills is a beautiful golf township, into an 18-hole facility. Known for its located 16 kms from the city centre. immaculate greens which are super The emerald green turf is lined with quick (8 to 9.5 on the stimpmeter) hundreds of tropical trees, making it especially during tournaments and delightful as well as challenging for located in a windy corridor that can golfers. The wide stretches of green turn an innocuous-looking 100 yard host peacocks and other exotic birds shot into a challenging – a treat for avid bird watchers and adventure, this is a course to be nature lovers. respected and enjoyed.

CGC was established when a bunch The club house boasts a restaurant of golf enthusiasts began playing golf and a bar, swimming pools, a practice in the grounds of the Coimbatore range, bowling alleys, and tennis Jail. Initially, a 9-hole course was laid courts, which adds to the experience. GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: Chettipalayam, Par: 72 Coimbatore - 641201 Total yardage: 6,973 Ph: (0422) 3293949, 2655258 ...... Telefax: (0422) 2655258 Green fees Email: coimbatoregolfclub@ Weekday yahoo.com Members guest: ` 500 Website: www. Walk-in: ` 750 coimbatoregolfclub.com Weekend ...... Members guest: ` 750 How to reach Walk-in: ` 1,000 Nearest airport: Coimbatore ...... International Airport (11 kms) Caddie fees: ` 125 (18-hole) ...... ` 100 (9- hole) Established: 1977 Club set: ` 200

WHILE IN COIMBATORE Artifacts Museum. Marudamalai BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEPT-MARCH Temple, Immanuel Church and Botanical Garden are also worth The second largest, and one of visiting. the busiest commercial cities of , Coimbatore has Excursions beyond several tourist attractions. The • Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary (90 kms) city has four large museums, • Indira Gandhi National Park including Ancient Industrial (111 kms)

Kovai Hills Golf and Country Club | COIMBATORE

ituated about 15 kms from and is quite a challenging course to Coimbatore, in the undulating par on, especially when it’s windy. S confines of the Western Ghat It is not unusual for golfers to hit off Perur town, is the vast 1,000-acre the ball and find it landing in an township of Kovai Hills. The 200-acre elephant footprint! The course also 18-hole championship golf course, has a golf academy with trained Kovai Hills Golf Club and Academy, instructors from the Golf Academy of India and the Indian Golf Union. is located inside the township and makes for an ideal weekend The club house has cottages destination. Designed by David fashioned after Swiss chalets, and Hemstock in 2009, this course has has provisions for several sports, a six water bodies and 66 hazards, multi-cuisine restaurant and bar.

48 GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH INDIA

Fact File

Address: Kovai Hills Golf & Par: 72 Country Club, Perur, Pallakad Total yardage: 7,020 Road, Coimbatore-641010 ...... Ph: (0422) 2904012, 2265800 Green fees Email: [email protected] Weekday Website: www.kovaigolf.com Members guest: ` 1,000 ...... Walk-in: ` 1,000 How to reach Weekend Nearest airport: Coimbatore Members guest: ` 1,000 International Airport via Avinashi Walk-in: ` 1,000 Road (24 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 300 Designer: David Hemstock Club Set: ` 50 (50 balls) Established: 2014

Ootacamund Gymkhana Golf Club | OOTY

ituated at an altitude of in 1896, the course has three water 2,134 m, Ootacamund bodies, 42 sand and seven grass SGymkhana Golf Club is bunkers. In spite of fencing all amongst the most exciting, because around the course, it is easy to spot of its altitude, as well as one of the a number of animal species along most picturesque golf courses in these hillocks, especially near the the country. 13th hole, where fox hunts by club-trained foxhounds are a Interspersed by woods of oak, fir, common sight. eucalyptus and the like, this 193-acre course is no child’s play and first- The Gymkhana Club provides timers as well as older players are accommodation with 10 rooms and advised to play just 9 holes rather additional facilities like billiards, table than the full 18 as that involves tennis and a cards room. The golf climbing up and down quite a few club also has its own multi-cuisine times. Designed by Ross Thompson restaurant and bar.

49 Fact File

Address: Old Pykara Road, Green fees , Ooty-643006 Weekday Ph: (0423) 2442254, 2448497 Members guest: ` 500 Fax: (0423) 2445967 Walk-in: ` 1,000 Email: golfcaptain@ootygolfclub. Foreigners: ` 1,000 org Weekend Website: www.ootygolfclub.org ...... Members guest: ` 500 Walk-in: ` 1,000 How to reach Foreigners: ` 1,000 Nearest airport: Coimbatore ...... Airport via Gundlupet Highway Caddie fees: ` 100-150 (98 kms) Club Set: ` 100 ...... Designer: Ross Thompson Tournaments: South Zone Opened in: 1896 Feeder and Sub Junior Tour Par: 70 ...... Total yardage: 6,235

WHILE IN OOTY Avalanche and Emerald Lakes, BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-JUNE Government Botanical Garden are absolute must visits here! Located in the lap of the stunning Nilgiris, Ooty is blessed with Excursions beyond astounding natural beauty. • Coonoor (19 kms) Doodabetta Reserve Forest, • (32 kms)

50 Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club | HYDERABAD

ituated within a realty project, 18-hole championship course was Boulder Hills Golf and Country designed by Peter Harradine and has SClub is perhaps one of the eight water bodies, 14 bunkers and most uniquely laid out golf courses in seven hazards. the country. Built by Emaar MGF and The golf club here has The spread over 530 acres of lush green Bougainvillea Room for fine dining fairways, this golf course has several and The Plus 4 Pub for those who huge boulders lying at strategic wish to relax after an outing. The positions, thereby giving the course golf club also runs an academy, its name. Located in Gachibowli, which is only open to the residents near the IT hub in Hyderabad, this of Boulder Hills society.

Fact File

Address: Manikonda Village, Total yardage: 7,229 Gachibowli, Hyderabad- 500032 ...... Ph: (040) 66123456 Green fees Email: golf.boulderhiils@ Weekday emaarmgf.com, sanjay.pan@ Members guest: ` 1,500 emaarmgf.com Walk-in: ` 3,500 Website: www.emaarmgf.com/ Weekend boulderhill Members guest: ` 2,200 ...... Walk-in: ` 6,000 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi Golf Cart: ` 400 (weekend), International Airport, Hyderabad, ` 500 (weekday) via Outer Ring Road (33 kms) Club Set: ` 1,200 ...... Designer: Peter Harradine Tournaments: Vodafone Tee Established: 2009 Walk, Mercedes Trophy Par: 72

WHILE IN HYDERABAD the palaces and bazaars of the BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH Old City, all of which coexist Founded in the late 16th century, with the colonial structures Hyderabad retains much of its of its twin city, Secunderabad glorious past with the magnificent and the futuristic IT hub that is Golconda Fort, iconic Char Minar, ‘Cyberabad’.

51 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

East India

Royal Calcutta Golf Club | KOLKATA

ounded in 1829, Royal Calcutta for experienced golfers. Ponds dot Golf Club (RCGC) is the oldest the course, and trees and shrubs Fgolf club in India, and the first bordering it add to the pristine golf course outside British Isles after landscape. The Royal and Ancient, St Andrews in Scotland, which is hailed as the The first amateur Golf Championship home of the sport. RCGC was of India was held at the Royal in December 1892 with players originally located near Dum Dum from Ceylon, Penang, Burma Airport (now Netaji Subhash Chandra and Singapore taking part. It is Bose International Airport), moved the second oldest running golf to the Maidan in 1885 and finally tournament in the world after the to its present location at Tollygunge British Open. in 1910 (the registered office of the Club continues to be at the Maidan). A record dated 8 February 1876 King George V and Queen Mary mentions that playing for the Royal conferred the title ‘Royal’ to the Club Blackhealth Medal, a Cup valued to commemorate their visit to the ` 25 and the prize was a golf set city in 1911, which is how the club priced at ` 9! The membership of is affectionately referred to today. the Club stood at ` 420 in 1892 and ` 1,770 in 1931. The greens at Royal are quite large by modern standards. Laid over Much of the memorabilia – cups, what were originally paddy fields, medals, trophies – connected with the course is undulating, making the history of the club, 1874 onwards, it both inviting and challenging is preserved in the club house.

Being the first golf club in India, the club for a few years before the Royal is the founder of the he entered professional golfing sport in the country, producing in 1997 and thereafter went some of the best golfers. A on to win eight titles on the popular name now associated Indian Tour, the inaugural Indian with RCGC is that of Shiv Shankar Masters in 2008 and Avantha Prasad Chowrasia. The son of Masters in 2011. The self-taught a at the RCGC, golfer is nicknamed ‘Chip-putt- Chowrasia worked as a caddie at sia’ because of his short game.

52 GOLF COURSES IN EAST INDIA

Fact File

Address: 18, Golf Club Road, Green fees Tollygunge, Kolkata-700033 Weekday Ph: (033) 24731352/ 1288 Members guest: ` 1,685 Fax No: (033) 24733315 Weekend Email: [email protected] Members guest: ` 2,809 Website: www.rcgc.in ...... Walk-in: ` 7,303 (all days) How to reach IGU Member: ` 7,247 (all days) Nearest airport: Netaji Subhash Foreigners: $ 50 + tax (all days) Chandra Bose International ...... Airport, Kolkata (26 kms) Golf Cart: ` 400 (18-hole) ...... Established: 1829 Tournaments: McLeod Russel Par: 72 Tour Championship, Tata Steel Total yardage: 6,978 East India Championship

WHILE IN KOLKATA BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH Wander around the BBD Bagh (erstwhile Dalhousie Square), Strand and Esplanade for a colonial feel. Visit the city’s magnificent architectural flourishes, Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge Howrah Bridge, temples and churches, and its many kantha weaves, terracotta and museums, particularly Indian brassware. Museum. In Sep-Oct, witness the exuberance of the five- Excursions beyond day Durga Puja celebrations. • Shantiniketan (212 kms) Try the street-food and also • Sunderbans National Park the delectable local fare and (Ferries can be taken from sweetmeats. Shop for silk, Sonakhali, 100 kms from Kolkata)

53 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Tollygunge Golf Club | KOLKATA

estled in the heart of Kolkata’s Britishers facilities for games, sports bustling southern residential and pastimes in Kolkata. Today, it Ndistrict, right next to a noisy boasts of a range of facilities, rarely tram station, are the verdant greens found under a single roof: from of the Tollygunge Golf Club – sporting facilities – golf, tennis, an oasis of calm and quietude. squash, billiards, swimming, riding The fairway of this 100-acre and amateur equestrian sports championship golf course, bordered – to luxurious accommodation, with trees and wooded areas, restaurants, in-house entertainment, presents a soothing sight in all as well as a well-equipped gym, seasons. These wide open stretches library, cyber cafe, unisex salon and a are an ideal foraging ground for a herbal ayurvedic centre. variety of birds that add to the charm. Great care has been taken to lay out The golf course is equipped with the club grounds with both exotic a flood-lit driving range and well- and indigenous plants, some rare lit golf stroke to allow for a good enough to be found in a botanical sport even after dusk. It offers an garden, to the effect that Tollygunge impressive practice range, putting Club has the distinction of being the green and private lessons making it only country club of its kind in India ideal for both beginners and experts. and is ranked amongst the top 20 clubs of the world. In this and other was founded in respects, ‘Tolly’ as it is affectionately 1895 by a Scottish banker, William referred, has few equals in India and Dixon Cruickshank, to provide indeed, in the world.

54 GOLF COURSES IN EAST INDIA

Fact File

Address: Tollygunge Club, 120 Par: 70 Deshapran Sasmal Road, Total yardage: 4,840 Kolkata-700033 ...... Ph: (033) 24176022, Green fees 24728754/8755, 24732316 Weekday Telefax: (033) 24720480, Member fee: ` 150 24731903 Walk-in: ` 292 Email: [email protected] Weekend Website: www.tollygungeclub. Member fee: ` 300 org, www.tollygolf.in Walk-in: ` 573 ...... How to reach Caddie fees: ` 200 (18-hole); Nearest airport: Netaji Subhash ` 125 (9-hole) Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (26 kms)

55 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Kaziranga Golf Resort | JORHAT

aziranga Golf Resort, nestled challenging game for even the most amidst the Sangsua and seasoned golfer. The shortest hole KGatoonga tea estates, is here measures 185 yards. one of its kind. A well-maintained property, this course with lush green The climate here is ideal for playing fairways, smooth greens and roughs golf all year round. Note that the with a two-sided driving range can monsoons are from May to August accommodate 72 golfers at a time. and there is heavy rain for about 15 days in a month. Designed by Ranjit Nanda, this course with undulating elevation and water The resort also has an academy, which bodies near several holes makes it a provides training to aspiring golfers.

Fact File

Address: Sangsua Tea Estate, Designer: Ranjit Nanda Gatonga, PO Jorhat-785616 Established: 2011 Ph: +91 8811091577, Par: 71 9748497027 Total yardage: 6,830 Email: [email protected] ...... Website: www. Green fees kazirangagolfresort.com Weekday ...... Walk-in: ` 300 How to reach Weekend Nearest airport: Jorhat Airport Walk-in: ` 500 (20 kms) ...... Caddie fees: ` 150

56 GOLF COURSES IN EAST INDIA

WHILE IN JORHAT Excursions beyond BEST TIME TO VISIT: • Shyamgaon (25 kms) OCTOBER-MARCH • Sibsagar (55 kms) • Majuli (the ferry point is an hour Take a leisurely rickshaw ride to long bus ride from Jorhat) soak in the colonial character of • the town, visit the ponds built (112 kms) by Ahom rulers and Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.

Digboi Golf Club Links | DIGBOI

igboi Golf Club Links is set longest hole measures 530 yards. amidst lush tea estates and Its shortest hole, measuring only Dthick forest. It is the first 127 yards, is called ‘Stairway to 18-hole golf course to be established Heaven’. in Assam, while the first oil well in Asia was drilled here in 1901. The The fifth hole has an airstrip, which club is surrounded by the Deihing was constructed during the World Forest Reserve on three sides, so War II. The 11th hole has an oil well you need not be surprised if you see called ‘Captain’s Well 992’, as the a wild boar, or a leopard cross the well was inaugurated by the then greens as you play! Golf Captain, while the 17th hole is named ‘Hornbill Haunt’, as hornbills Established in 1930 by the British, are seen frequenting this hole. Also, the course was shifted to its present do not miss a game at the 18th hole- location in 1943 as a par 70 course. it has one of the tallest trees on a The present course is par 72 and its golf course in India!

57 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: National Highway 38, Par: 72 Golai Gaon No 3, Digboi-786171 Total yardage: 6,309 Ph: 09435137381, 09706140259 ...... Green fees How to reach Weekday Nearest airport: Mohanbari Member guest: ` 250 Airport, Dibrugarh (75 kms from Walk-in: ` 250 Digboi) ...... Weekend Member guest: ` 250 Established: 1930 Walk-in: ` 573

WHILE IN DIGBOI • Saikhowa National Park BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH (60 kms) Visit the War Cemetery, Digboi Oil Refinery (Asia’s first oil refinery) and Ridge Point Hill for its magnificent views. Excursions beyond • Namphake village (35 kms)

58 Shillong Golf Club | SHILLONG

estled in the lap of nature, which are covered with a local the rolling meadows species of grass, ensuring a tough Nof Shillong Golf Club game for most golfers. The longest are bordered with pine and hole on the course is the sixth one, rhododendron trees. The history of which is 594 yards. There are fast golf in Shillong goes a long way; in greens here surrounded by heavy 1898, a bunch of British civil servants sand bunkers. The game often tests established a 9-hole course in your physical strength as most tee Laban. After World War I, Shillong’s points are an uphill walk! popularity as a European golf resort increased and in 1924, the present The climate is generally pleasant course with its club house was all year long, though rain could inaugurated. sometimes play spoilsport, with Shillong being just 56 kms from Designed by Capt Jackson and C K Cherrapunji – the wettest place Rhodes, the course has tight fairways on earth!

Fact File

Address: Golf Links, Total yardage: 5,873 Shillong-793001 ...... Ph: (0364) 2590479 Green fees ...... Weekday How to reach Member guest/ Foreigners: ` 200 Nearest airport: Shillong Airport Walk-in: ` 200 (32 kms) ...... Weekend Member guest/ Foreigners: ` 200 Established: 1924 Walk-in: ` 200 Par: 70

WHILE IN SHILLONG and Butterfly Museum. BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-APRIL Excursions beyond Visit Umiam Lake, Don Bosco • Cherrapunji (56 kms) Museum of Indigenous North East • Noh Kalikai Falls (58 kms) Culture, Sweet Falls, Elephant Falls • Jowai (61 kms)

59 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

West India

Bombay Presidency Golf Club | MUMBAI

ombay Presidency Golf 43 bunkers and 11 hazards. While Club (BPGC), established the course itself might not present Bin 1927, is one of the oldest any major difficulties, as it is neither and most prestigious golf courses too long nor too narrow, but the in the country. Initially, rather temperamental sea breeze often unimaginatively, called The New proves to be a hindrance for even Club Ltd, BPGC is spread across the most experienced golfers. 100 acres of land bought from The club has a restaurant, although the Bombay Port Trust. It was entry is restricted to members and renovated in 2009 by Nelson & their guests. The club also has a Haworth Redesign and its lush billiards room, a well-stocked pro green expanse currently spreads over shop, a practice putting range and 90 acres, with seven water bodies, a bar.

Fact File

Address: Dr Choitram Gidwani Green fees Road, Near TM Hinduja National Weekday Sarvodaya, High School & Junior Members guest: ` 1,970 College, Mumbai-400071 Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 2,810 Ph: (022) 61174500/600 Weekend Email: [email protected] Members guest: ` 2,350 Website: www.bpgcgolf.com ...... Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 3,365 ...... How to reach Caddy fees: ` 280-300 Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Golf Cart: ` 500 Shivaji International Airport via Club Set: ` 500 Western Express Highway (18 kms) ...... Tournaments: Evolution Golf Designer: Nelson and Haworth West Zone Feeder and Sub Junior Established: 1927 Tour, IGU Western India Juniors Par: 70 & Faldo Series, IGU BPGC Ladies Total yardage: 6,148 ...... Amateur & Faldo Series

60 GOLF COURSES IN WEST INDIA

WHILE IN MUMBAI numerous restaurants and enjoy BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH the night life in its vibrant pubs and clubs. Visit the majestic Gateway of India; UNESCO-designated Excursions beyond World Heritage Site, Victoria • (83 kms) Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji • (87 kms) Terminus), the ever-crowded • Lonavala (111 kms) headquarters of Central Railways; Elephanta Caves, across the bay from the Gateway; and the Haji Ali Dargah, picturesquely located on an islet. Take an early morning or sunset stroll along the Marine Drive and walk around the Fort area to get your fill of colonial structures. Snack on the delicious street food, sample the city’s

Willingdon Sports Club | MUMBAI

uilt in 1933 by Lord golf course here has 52 bunkers and Willingdon, the then four water bodies, and this coupled BGovernor of Bombay with the sea breeze, makes for a Presidency, this was the first club fairly difficult course to par on. in India to grant entry to both Indians and Europeans. The story The club house, which is built like goes that the Governor was once a British summer bungalow with denied access to Bombay Gymkhana a sloping red-tiled roof and long, Club as he was accompanied by white colonnades, also has six tennis an Indian Maharaja. Annoyed and courts, a swimming pool, badminton offended by this, the feisty Lord and squash courts, and a well- Willingdon initiated the building of equipped gym. Located in the heart the Willingdon Sports Club. of the city, at a walking distance from the Haji Ali dargah and about Originally a 15-hole course, it was 2 kms from Mahalaxmi Racecourse, renovated and upgraded to an with skyscrapers glinting in the 18-hole course in 2011. Although background, this club is an ideal it has a relatively small fairway, the oasis for sports enthusiasts.

61 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: Keshav Rao Khadye Green fees Marg, Tardeo, Mumbai-400007 Weekday Ph: (022) 23545755/57 Members guest: ` 1,000 Email: secretary@willingdonclub. Foreigners: ` 1,000 com Weekend (Club’s own website is open for Members guest: ` 2,000 members only) ...... Foreigners: ` 2,000 Walk-ins not allowed How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Caddy fees: ` 125 Shivaji International Airport via Club Set: ` 700 Western Express Highway (22 kms) ...... Tournaments: Evolution Golf Established: 1933 West Zone Feeder and Sub Junior Par: 65 Tour, Bombay Ladies Open Week, Total yardage: 4,635 Mercedes Trophy

Aamby Valley Golf Course | LONAVALA

he luxurious 250-acre fully characters, with nine holes dotting flood-lit Aamby Valley Golf valleys and the rest between lakes. TCourse, has since its inception in 1994 become one of the most Aamby Valley Golf Club also runs sought-after golf courses in the a golf academy with British PGA country. Situated in the rolling hills accredited professional trainers who of the , the course provide individual as well as group was designed by the legendary David sessions. The Legends Bar in the club Hemstock and later upgraded to house, with its wooden interiors and host championships by PGA DC, UK. cheerful ambience, is popular 19th hole among golfers. There is a wellness The vast landscape which is centre, an international school, two cocooned in the Sahyadri mountain man-made lakes and accommodation range is breathtaking. It is a thinking styled after Swiss chalets and British man’s course with 84 bunkers, 16 bungalows, inside Aamby Valley hazards, three water bodies, and City complex. Aamby Valley has its accommodates all levels of play. own airport, though most take the The 18-hole course has two distinct 20-minute flight from Mumbai.

62 GOLF COURSES IN WEST INDIA

Fact File

Address: Aamby Valley City, Par: 72 Ambavne, Taluka , Total yardage: 7,087 Lonavala, Dist- Pune-410401 ...... Ph: (020) 22900000 Green fees Fax: (020) 22965111 Weekday Email: experience@aambyvalley. Members guest: ` 4,250 com, golfproshop@aambyvalley. Walk-in: ` 5,000 com Foreigners: ` 5,000 Website: www.aambyvalleycity. Weekend com Members guest: ` 4,250 ...... Walk-in: ` 5,000 How to reach Foreigners: ` 5,000 Nearest airport: Pune ...... International Airport (94 kms) Golf Cart: Included in the Chhatrapati Shivaji International green fee (on twin sharing basis) Airport via Mumbai-Pune Club Set: ` 1,500 Expressway (113 kms) ...... Tournaments: Golf Premier Designer: David Hemstock and League, PGTI Players Associates Championship Corporate Events Established: 1994 ......

63 Poona Club Golf Course | PUNE

pread over 94 acres of verdant vast premises of the prestigious landscape, Poona Club Golf Poona Club. Heavy vegetation, with SCourse was established by more than 20,000 varieties of trees the British in 1918 and held its first dot the landscape here. And as if major tournament in 1920. Located that is not tricky enough, the course in the city’s posh Yerawada Road, also has eight water bodies, 38 sand Poona Golf Club has over 1,000 bunkers, two grass bunkers and 13 members and conducts about 40 hazards to make things even more tournaments in a year. interesting! The golf course has Redesigned and renovated in practice facility that is flood-lit and 1992-93 by Phil Ryan of Pacific Coast stays open from 5 pm to 9.30 pm Design, the golf club lies inside the every day.

Fact File

Address: 6, Airport Road, Closed on 2nd and 4th Yerawada, Pune-411006 Monday Ph: +91 9881409935, ...... 9766641757 Green fees Email: reception@poonaclubltd. Weekday com Members guest: ` 790 Website: www. Walk-in: ` 790 poonaclubgolfcourse.com Weekend ...... Members guest: ` 1,125 How to reach Walk-in: ` 1,125 Nearest airport: Pune ...... International Airport via New Club Set: ` 500-1,000 Airport Rd and Samrat Ashok Rd ...... (6 kms) Tournaments: Evolution Golf ...... West Zone Feeder and Sub Junior Designer: Phil Ryan Tour, IGU Western India Juniors, Established: 1920 TATA Steel Western India Amateur, Par: 71 IGU Juniors, USHA Total yardage: 6,415 Western India Ladies Amateur

64 GOLF COURSES IN WEST INDIA

WHILE IN PUNE Excursions beyond BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEP-MARCH • Karla Caves (60 kms) • (95 kms) Make a stop over at Aga Khan’s Palace, or if you are spiritually inclined, at the Osho International Meditation Resort. For the historically inclined, a visit to Shaniwarwada, the 18th century palace fort that was the seat of the Peshwa rulers is a must-visit. Visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum for its incredible collection of art and artifacts from all over the country. Chaityagriha, Karla Caves

Oxford Golf and Country Club | PUNE

he fairly new Oxford Golf and Sahyadri hills, the tempestuous and Country Club was established moody Western Ghat winds and the Tin 2009 and spreads across change in elevation levels may cause 136 acres. Ranked as the numero uno concern to amateur golfers. golf course in the country in 2013 by Asian , this golf course The club has a golf academy, is one of the most luxurious golfing provisions for playing tennis, squash destinations in the country today. and a swimming pool. The club also Shaped like a horseshoe, the course has an in-house restaurant. Those has six water bodies, 54 bunkers and who love camping may hire tents 26 hazards and is by no means an easy from the club house. Golfers can course to par on. As the course sits also stay at the luxurious O Hotel, pretty in the bosom of the stunning part of the Oxford group.

65 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Fact File

Address: Near Deccan Honda Green fees Showroom, Lavale Taluka, Weekday Mulshi, Pune-411045 Members guest: ` 1,200 Ph: (020) 67904817 Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 2,500 Email: vaishali.vaidya@ Weekend oxfordgroup.in, dipti.gokhale@ Members guest: ` 3,000 oxfordgroup.in Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 5,000 Website: www...... oxfordgolfandcountryclub.com Caddy fees: ` 300-600 ...... Golf Cart: ` 500 How to reach Club Set: ` 1,000 Nearest airport: Pune ...... International Airport via Flame Tournaments: Evolution Golf Ring Road (26 kms) West Zone Feeder and Sub Junior ...... Tour, PGTI Players Championship, Designer: Phil Ryan Mercedes Trophy Established: 2009 ...... Par: 72 Total yardage: 7,020

Oxford Golf and Country Club

66 Kensville Golf and Country Club | AHMEDABAD

ituated 66 kms away from the bodies, 42 bunkers and two hustle bustle of Ahmedabad, hazards set on a nearly flat terrain. Sthe plush, European PGA- Complementing the lush greenery sanctioned Kensville Golf and Country are visitors from the nearby Club was established in 2006. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, and Co-designed by Colonel KD Bagga first-timers often find these avian and the Indian golfer, Jeev Milkha companions a bit distracting. The Singh, the Country Club is spread golf club is a popular destination over a whooping 700 acres! not only among professional golfers, but also among amateurs who come This championship course has here to practice in the flood-lit range narrow fairways with 11 water in Kensville Golf Academy.

Fact File

Address: Dev Dholera Village, Green fees Near Baldana Village, Opp Weekday Sahyog Restaurant, Bavla-Rajkot Members guest: ` 500 Highway, Ahmedabad-380051 Walk-in/Foreigners: ` 600 Ph: +91 8980760000 Weekend Fax: (079) 40002929 Members guest: ` 700 Email: [email protected] Walk-in: ` 800 Website: www.kensville.co.in ...... Club Set: ` 500 How to reach ...... Nearest airport: Sardar Tournaments: Kensville Vallabhbhai Patel International Open (European ), Airport, Ahmedabad via NH 8A Evolution Golf West Zone Feeder (64 kms) and Sub Junior Tour, Round ...... Table Classic Golf Tournament, Designer: Jeev Milkha Singh Kensville Independence Day, and Colonel KD Bagga Rotary International District Established: 2006 ...... Par: 72 Total yardage: 7,300

67 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

WHILE IN AHMEDABAD BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH The most famous tourist attraction in the crowded city of Ahmedabad is of course Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Ashram. Also visit Hathee Singh Jain Temple, Jama Masjid and Sidi Bashir Masjid while in the city. Excursions beyond Shop for silver jewellery and block- • Adalaj ki baoli (17 kms) print textiles at Manek Chowk and • Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Law Garden Night Market. (60 kms)

Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club | AHMEDABAD

he first golf course in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the country designed by the golf course is located in the middle TAmerican golfer, Jack of a realty project developed by Nicklaus, Kalhaar Blues and Greens the Navratna Group and has an is acknowledged to be one of the in-house golf academy. The academy toughest and indeed the longest golf conducts training programmes for course in India. The 175-acre course guests lasting one month (` 4,500 has 14 water bodies with as many for adults and ` 2,700 for children) ‘beach’ bunkers spread over a lush and three-month (` 9,000 for adults green landscape. Situated on the and ` 5, 400 for children).

68 GOLF COURSES IN WEST INDIA

Fact File

Address: Sanand-Bopal Bypass Weekday Road, Behind Muni Bapu Ashram, Members guest: ` 800 Ahmedabad Walk-in: ` 800 Ph: + 91 8347773454, Foreigners: ` 800 9377110656 Weekend Email: info@ Members guest: ` 1,000 kalhaarbluesandgreens.com Walk-in: ` 1,000 Website: www. Foreigners: ` 1,000 kalhaarbluesandgreens.com ...... Tee time booking required. Contact Anil Patel- 09377110592, How to reach 08347773454 Nearest airport: Ahmedabad ...... Club Set: ` 300 Designer: Jack Nicklaus ...... Established: 2012 Tournaments: IGU Amateur Par: 72 Open, Round Table Charity, Total yardage: 7,425 ...... Rotary Golf Event, Franklin Templeton, Louise Philippe Club Green fees event, Toyota Club Event, Touche (includes fees for Caddy and Golf League, YPO Golf Cart)

69 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA

Golf Tour Operators (IGTA)

Aashman Air Travel Pvt Ltd Garha Tours & Travel Ms Chitra Bhatia Mr NS Rathore [email protected] [email protected], 9350868502 [email protected] w www.aashmantravel.com 9867028230

Alpha Plus DMC Pvt Ltd GolfTripz / GreenAge Mr Desmond Theophilus Mr Ajit Mohandas [email protected] [email protected] 9811054006 9440405870 w www.golftripz.com Arrivals Air Services Pvt Ltd Mr Rajan Sehgal Grand Travel Planner [email protected] Mr Umesh Kapur 9811060786 [email protected] 98155 10162 Cosmopol Travel Pvt Ltd w http://grandtravelplanners.com Mr Cherian Jacob [email protected] Indian Golf Connexions 9845023301, 9787619684 Mr Vipan Sharma w www.cosmopoltravel.com [email protected] 9811049246 Diplomatic Travel Point Pvt Ltd w www.indiangolfconnexions.com Mr MP Khanna [email protected] Indo Asia Leisure Services Ltd 9810011332 Mr GS Panwar w www.indiatourismworld.com [email protected] 9810065575 Freedom Holidays w www.indoasia-tours.com, Mr Martin Thypodath www.indoasia.co.in [email protected] 9822101267 w www.freedom-holidays.com

70 GOLF TOUR OPERATORS

Inpac Tours Pvt Ltd SKH Global Travels Mr Naresh Sharma (A Unit of KV Travel Pvt Ltd) [email protected] Mr Manish Ahluwalia 9810027417 [email protected] w http://www.skhglobal.com Kaleidoscope Travel Consultants Pvt Ltd Special Holidays Brig (Retd) Surinder Lidder Mr Sandeep Jain [email protected] [email protected] 9423582779 9810372424, 9810356126 w www.exploreourindia.com w www.specialholidays.net, www.traveltoursindia.com LPTI Mr Randhir Brar Top Travel & Tours Pvt Ltd [email protected] Mr Rajan K Mathur 9810060180 [email protected] w www.pashindia.com 9810035012 w www.top-travels.com Namaste Tours Mr P Balasubramanyan Trans India Holidays Pvt Ltd [email protected] Mr Kapil Goswamy 9811116317 [email protected] w www.namastetoursindia.com 9811028077 w www.transindiaholidays.com Plan Your Holiday Mr Gaurav Dogra Travel Port [email protected] Mr MV Shastry 9818793736 [email protected] w www.planyourholiday.com 9810619506

Prakhar Travels Uday Tours & Travel Pvt Ltd Mr Atul Dhir Mr Uday Marwah [email protected] [email protected] 9958170015 9811277079 w www.prakhartravels.in w www.indiagolfcourses.com, www.indiagolftours.com

Indian Golf Tourism Association courses, hotels, airlines and the (IGTA) is a non-profit organisation International Tourism Board is founded in September 2012, to aimed at drawing international promote India as a global golfing tourists to the country to destination. IGTA’s agenda to experience golf in its myriad work with the Ministry of Tourism forms. (Government of India), golf Contact: http://igta.in/

71 GOLFING DESTINATIONS IN INDIA Essentials While Playing Golf in India

• Carry your handicap certificate, experience more pleasurable in since most courses ask for it unless summer. What’s more, it serves as a you are accompanied by a member. stress-buster after a hectic day!

• Pre-book your tee time during • Insist on registered caddies and weekends and public holidays, keep track of the number of particularly in tourist places balls and clubs in your bag

• Summers in India can be harsh • We recommend you check with so book your tee time early in the the Club for latest information morning before you fall prey to on green fees and timings the strong sun. Some golf courses before you visit; and for any also offer night golf to make the promotional offers.

Several golf courses have their hotels have tie-ups with courses own resorts, which are worth and they can assist you in booking as it does away with booking a tee-time as per your an everyday commute from a convenience, and also get you a hotel elsewhere. Else, some discount!

Golfing Etiquettes

It always pays to learn the rules of a some such tool, to fix ball marks. game and follow generally accepted The same applies for bunkers where etiquettes. This is especially true at you should smoothen holes and a golf course, where people putt footprints made by you. special emphasis on it. • If your ball is on another player’s • Arrive early and finish warming up line, volunteer to mark the ball. by hitting a few soft wedge shots before heading out for the practice • Play only if other players are out green and hitting a few putts. of range. Traditionally, one calls out ‘Fore’ in case there is a danger of • Before your first tee, check the hitting another player/caddy. scorecard to learn any local rules. • Never stand where you might • Many golfers in local clubs have distract a fellow player and do their regular playing partners. Check not move or make a noise when with them before joining their group. someone is putting.

• Avoid slow play and plan your next • Public displays of anger, yelling shot by studying the strength and loudly in frustration, or any kind of direction of the wind. disturbance on the golf course might not be tolerated by the club. • Always replace your divots and repair any damage caused by your • After play, submit your card to the golf shoes. Carry a penknife, or club, even if you did not fare well.

Sourced from: www.pga.com

72