Golfing

Destinations
in India
MAJOR 18-HOLE GOLF COURSES

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

Eicher Goodearth Private Limited

India
ABOUT THE BOOK
Golfing in India goes back to the colonial period when the Royal
Calcutta Golf Club (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 History of Golf 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 Delhi

on behalf of Eicher Goodearth Pvt Ltd, India
 CONTENTS

History of Golf 04

Major 18-Hole Golf Courses in India

NORTH INDIA
Delhi Golf Club, New Delhi 10
Qutab Golf Course, New Delhi 13
DLF Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon 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
Chandigarh Golf Club, Chandigarh 24
Panchkula Golf Club, Panchkula 26
Naldehra Golf Club, Naldehra 27
Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar 29
Gulmarg Golf Course, Gulmarg 30
Lidder Valley Golf Course, Pahalgam 31
Lucknow Golf Club, Lucknow 32
SOUTH INDIA
Bangalore Golf Club, Bangalore 34
Karnataka Golf Association, Bangalore 36
Clover Greens Golf Course, Bangalore 37
Eagleton Golf Village, Bangalore 38
Prestige Golfshire Club, Bangalore 39
Jayachamaraja Wodeyar Golf Club, Mysore 40
Coorg Golf Links, Coorg 41
Mercara Downs Golf Course, Coorg 42
Madras Gymkhana Golf Course, Chennai 43
Cosmopolitan Club, Chennai 45
Kodaikanal 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, Hyderabad 51
EAST INDIA
Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Kolkata 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, Mumbai 60
Willingdon Sports Club, Mumbai 61
Aamby Valley Golf Course, Lonavala 62
Poona Club Golf Course, Pune 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 golf in India 72

Golfing Etiquettes 72
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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

History of Golf

I
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 golf-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. Scotlands Royal and
of Balfour (18481930)
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
 H I S T O R Y O F G O L F

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. games 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 gentlemans 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 countrys

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
 H I S T O R Y O F G O L F

The Indian Golf Union (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 Indian Open
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, Jeev Milkha Singh, Arjun
Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Chowrasia, Gaurav
Ghei and Shiv Kapur. 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 couldnt 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 RCGCs 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 Kolkatas New Market. 175th Anniversary 1829-2004

The KGA Clubhouse, Bangalore

 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Gulmarg has the worlds 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 worlds highest golf
course, at Gulmarg (2,700 m) in Kashmir, 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. Assams 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 Jack Nicklaus.

In the pages that follow, we have explored

Indias 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
c SRINAGAR
e
d
CHINA
SHIMLA
CHANDIGARH 9b
a
PAKISTAN
1
2 DELHI
DELHI NEPAL BHUTAN
GURGAON 6
4357 34

JAIPUR 8 f LUCKNOW 33 JORHAT

35 SHILLONG

BANGLADESH

KOLKATA
42 41 AHMEDABAD 32 31
MYANMAR

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

BANGALORE
gh o
mnjk i 25 CHENNAI
l ANDAMANS Map not to scale
29
27 28 COIMBATORE
LAKSHADWEEP 26

SRI LANKA

INDEX
1 Delhi Golf Club i Clover Greens Golf 31  oyal Calcutta
R
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 Chandigarh Golf Club p Cosmopolitan Club, 38 Aamby Valley Golf
a Panchkula Golf Club Chennai Course, Lonavala
b Naldehra Golf Club 26 Kodaikanal Golf Club 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

North India

Delhi Golf Club | NEW DELHI

T
he Delhi Golf Club, DGC as Peacock course added to the existing
it is better known, is barely 18-hole course. Undulating, narrow
a kilometer from India Gate. 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 handicap 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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
Par: 72 IGU Member: ` 2,700
Total yardage: 7,036 Foreigners: $75
....................................................
....................................................
Green fees Caddie Fee: ` 210 (Category A);
Weekday ` 160 (Category B)
Members guest: ` 700 Golf Set: ` 500
....................................................
Walk-in: ` 2,200
Tournaments: Panasonic Open
IGU Member: ` 1,800
India, Hero Indian Open, TATA
Foreigners: $50
Tour, Indian Masters, Sail, SRF

11
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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, Humayuns
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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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

Qutab Golf Course | NEW DELHI

D
esigned and developed in 18-hole course, with a state-of-the-
2000 as a 9-hole course art driving range and training facility.
by 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
.................................................... Golf Cart: ` 450
Golf Set: ` 500

13
 DLF Golf and Country Club |
GURGAON

A
A 142-acre expanse in the here. This makes the experience of
heart of Gurgaon, DLF Golf the game here exhilarating.
and 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
Golf Monthly 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 Indias first professional golf school.

14
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

Fact File

Address: Phase-V, DLF City, Green fees

Gurgaon, Haryana-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 hours drive from
Caddie Fee: ` 800 (18-hole);
the heart of Delhi.
` 500 (9-hole)
Nearest airport: Indira Gandhi Caddies 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

D
esigned by Dr Martin Hawtree, and cleverly contoured greens that
the links-style championship demand precise play and test the
golf 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

T
he first ever Jack Nicklaus Course (3,573 yards) and Canyon
course in South Asia, Classic Course (3,135 yards), each with
Golf 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 mans 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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) Hindustan Times Championship,
.................................................... PGTI
Designer: Jack Nicklaus ....................................................
Established: 1997
Par: 72
Total yardage: 10,249

Flowers in bloom at the Classic Golf Resort

18
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

NOIDA Golf Course | NOIDA

A
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
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 tee off for the 16th hole
bunkers, trees and water hazards. (Championship Tee).

19
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 hours 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 Yamuna 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, Indias first Agra (205 kms)
F1 track in Greater Noida, Okhla Fatehpur Sikri (211 kms)

Jaypee Greens Golf Resort |

GREATER NOIDA

S
pread over 452 acres of land, for amateurs. It has some of the best
Jaypee Greens Golf Resort, Bermuda greens in the country.
opened in 2001, has Indias 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 Normans 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 Avantha Masters,
Established: 2001 Louis Philippe Cup
Par: 72
Total yardage: 7,347
Closed on Mondays

21
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Moti Dungri fortress overlooks the greens at Rambagh

Rambagh Golf Club | JAIPUR

T
he picturesque Rambagh Golf Singh II to get a golf course laid
Club, next to the Ambedkar out in Jaipur and this course was
Circle, 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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 Rajasthan.
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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Chandigarh Golf Club |

CHANDIGARH

T
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,
picturesque 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.
mango, eucalyptus and jamun trees, Besides, theres 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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);
Weekday 80 (14-hole); 100 (18-hole)
.................................................
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, Pinjore 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

S
et against a backdrop of the and difficult Par 3s, which are the
rolling Shivalik hills, and with ingredients of a challenging game.
the gurgling Ghaggar river The club also offers a childrens
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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

Naldehra Golf Club |

NALDEHRA

O
nly 22 kms away from the hill bordered with flowering shrubs and
resort of Shimla is Naldehra thick woods.
Golf 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 Himalayas and is game of golf!

27
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 Indias 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

S
pread over an area of 300 The view of the Dal Lake from the
acres, this picturesque course tee box of the fifth hole will put
overlooking the serene Dal any golfers 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. courses 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 Indias number one golf demand at the time for making wine
course by Golf Digest 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
Achabal (58 kms)
Lake. Srinagars fragrant Mughal
Kokernag
Kokernag (70 kms)
gardens, the beautiful Pari Mahal,
Pahalgam
Pahalgam (86 kms)
Shankaracharya Temple and
Hazratbal Mosque are worth a visit.

Gulmarg Golf Course | GULMARG

G
ulmarg has the worlds when a 6-hole course was
highest golf course, situated established here by Colonel
at 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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,
Asias longest ropeway, to the
mighty Mt Apharwat.

Lidder Valley Golf Course |

PAHALGAM

S
et in the picturesque town This course needs you to be physically
of Pahalgam with a stunning fit several tee points will require
backdrop 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

WHILE IN PAHALGAM Mamaleshwar Temple. Shop for

BEST SEASON TO VISIT: MID-APRIL soft rugs, shawls, wall hangings
TO MID-NOVEMBER and walnut-wood 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 Betaab Valley,
an idyllic spot of picnics and a
popular location for several movie
shoots. Also, dont forget to visit
Sheshnag Lake, Tulian Lake and

Lucknow Golf Club | LUCKNOW

L
ucknow Golf Club, established that would stray into the course.
in 1950, is located near After independence, the Club shut
the 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 Kalidas Marg 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N N O R T H I N D I A

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 Rumi Darwaza (43 kms)
and delve deep into the rich Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (224 kms)

Bara Imambara complex

33
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

South India

Bangalore Golf Club |

BANGALORE

O
ne of the oldest golf courses two golf clubs. With 52 bunkers, two
in India, Bangalore Golf Club water bodies, flowering trees lining
was 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 Pudys Bar and Lounge,
matches between Madras Gymkhana the Eagles Nest which offers
Club and Bangalore Golf Club, which comfortable standard, deluxe and
began in 1878, are the worlds oldest family suites, a gym and spa, a well-
such continuing competition between stocked library and billiards room.

34
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

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, Captains
Weekday
Putter, BGC Ladies Tournament,
Members guest: ` 1,000
Governors 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
Sultans 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 citys neon-lit Bannerghatta National Park
commercial centres on the busy (21 kms)
Brigade Road and MG Road. Nandi Hills (65 kms)

35
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Karnataka Golf Association |

BANGALORE

T
he magnificent 117-acre pool, a gym, a health club, a pro
Karnataka Golf Association shop and a restaurant. The club
was 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
professional golfer, 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

C
lover Greens Golf Course, which the course is spread over 100 acres
began operations in 2009, is of luxurious greens and has four
designed 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 hours 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Eagleton Golf Village |

BANGALORE

S
pread over 168 acres of lush Eagleton also runs a golf academy
green landscape, Eagleton Golf which has provisions for long
Village 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 tennis, 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

Prestige Golfshire Club |

BANGALORE

B
uilt and developed by the provides one of the finest golfing
Prestige Group, Prestige and residential facilities in India.
Golfshire Club is situated The vast landscape is dotted with
45 kms from central Bangalore, fourteen water bodies, 85 bunkers
and is a stones 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Jayachamaraja Wodeyar
Golf Club | MYSORE

A
little outside the charming Once the haunt of the British, this
city of Mysore, with the club was established in 1906, and
exquisite 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- Golf trolley: ` 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,
Doctors Cup, Dolphins Cup, Air
Force Cup, Eagles Hebron Cup,
Skytop Open Golf Cup

40
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

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 Bandipur National Park (77 kms)
attractions here. Nagarhole National Park (88 kms)

Coorg Golf Links | COORG

S
ituated at an elevation of This course, which lies amidst Coorg
1,067 m above sea level, coffee plantations, is acknowledged to
Coorg 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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

L
ocated outside Madikeri it a challenging course for first timers.
town, Mercara Downs Golf Because of its rolling greens, the
Course 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 clubs 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

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

T
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
course set within a horse race off the browns, the greens came
track. Known for its windy corridor about only in the 1880s.
and tricky roughs, it is part of the
Madras Gymkhana Club at Island Col Ross Thompson was the first
Grounds, Anna Salai. 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 worlds 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 Guindy in
the 1880s. 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 Valluvar Kottam, the chariot-
shaped Dravidian temple that Excursions beyond
has 1,300 verses from the epic Mamallapuram (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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

Cosmopolitan Club | CHENNAI

L
ocated in the heart of the busy bunkering and overhead cover.
Mount road, overlooking the Some of the fairways are extremely
Adyar river, is Chennais 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
Honble 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 pro shop
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

S
pread over 150 acres, golf. The club still follows its age-
Kodaikanal Golf Club, located old tradition of the new Captain,
6 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 Coakers 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

F
ounded in 1977, the out, but later in 1985, Coimbatores
Coimbatore Golf Club leading industrialist Late K Rajagopal
(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 wedge 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.
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 Tamil Nadu, 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

S
ituated about 15 kms from and is quite a challenging course to
Coimbatore, in the undulating par on, especially when its windy.
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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N S O U T H I N D I A

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

S
ituated at an altitude of in 1896, the course has three water
2,134 m, Ootacamund bodies, 42 sand and seven grass
Gymkhana 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 childs 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

Anna Nagar, 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, Mukurthi National Park (32 kms)

50
 Boulder Hills Golf and
Country Club | HYDERABAD

S
ituated within a realty project, 18-hole championship course was
Boulder Hills Golf and Country designed by Peter Harradine and has
Club 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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

East India

Royal Calcutta Golf Club |

KOLKATA

F
ounded in 1829, Royal Calcutta for experienced golfers. Ponds dot
Golf Club (RCGC) is the oldest the course, and trees and shrubs
golf 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 greenskeeper at the RCGC, golfer is nicknamed Chip-putt-
Chowrasia worked as a caddie at sia because of his short game.

52
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N E A S T I N D I A

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 citys
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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Tollygunge Golf Club | KOLKATA

N
estled in the heart of Kolkatas Britishers facilities for games, sports
bustling southern residential and pastimes in Kolkata. Today, it
district, 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
Tollygunge Club 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N E A S T I N D I A

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
 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Kaziranga Golf Resort | JORHAT

K
aziranga Golf Resort, nestled challenging game for even the most
amidst the Sangsua and seasoned golfer. The shortest hole
Gatoonga 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
 G O L F C O U R S E S I N E A S T I N D I A

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
Kaziranga National Park
the town, visit the ponds built
(112 kms)
by Ahom rulers and Hollongapar
Gibbon Sanctuary.

Digboi Golf Club Links | DIGBOI

D
igboi Golf Club Links is set longest hole measures 530 yards.
amidst lush tea estates and Its shortest hole, measuring only
thick 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 Captains 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!

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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 (Asias first oil
refinery) and Ridge Point Hill for
its magnificent views.
Excursions beyond
Namphake village (35 kms)

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 Shillong Golf Club | SHILLONG

N
estled in the lap of nature, which are covered with a local
the rolling meadows species of grass, ensuring a tough
of 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, Shillongs 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)

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

West India

Bombay Presidency Golf

Club | MUMBAI

B
ombay Presidency Golf 43 bunkers and 11 hazards. While
Club (BPGC), established the course itself might not present
in 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

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 G O L F C O U R S E S I N W E S T I N D I A

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 Khandala (83 kms)
Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Matheran (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 citys

Willingdon Sports Club | MUMBAI

B
uilt in 1933 by Lord golf course here has 52 bunkers and
Willingdon, the then four water bodies, and this coupled
Governor 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.

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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
(Clubs 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

T
he luxurious 250-acre fully characters, with nine holes dotting
flood-lit Aamby Valley Golf valleys and the rest between lakes.
Course, 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 Western Ghats, 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
mans 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.

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 G O L F C O U R S E S I N W E S T I N D I A

Fact File

Address: Aamby Valley City, Par: 72

Ambavne, Taluka Mulshi, 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 ....................................................

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 Poona Club Golf Course | PUNE

S
pread over 94 acres of verdant vast premises of the prestigious
landscape, Poona Club Golf Poona Club. Heavy vegetation, with
Course 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 citys 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 Maharashtra Juniors, USHA
Total yardage: 6,415 Western India Ladies Amateur

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 G O L F C O U R S E S I N W E S T I N D I A

WHILE IN PUNE Excursions beyond

BEST TIME TO VISIT: SEP-MARCH Karla Caves (60 kms)
Panchgani (95 kms)
Make a stop over at Aga
Khans 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

T
he fairly new Oxford Golf and Sahyadri hills, the tempestuous and
Country Club was established moody Western Ghat winds and the
in 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 Golf Magazine, 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.

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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

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 Kensville Golf and Country
Club | AHMEDABAD

S
ituated 66 kms away from the bodies, 42 bunkers and two
hustle bustle of Ahmedabad, hazards set on a nearly flat terrain.
the 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: Gujarat Kensville
Vallabhbhai Patel International Open (European Challenge Tour),
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

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

WHILE IN AHMEDABAD
BEST TIME TO VISIT: OCT-MARCH

The most famous tourist

attraction in the crowded city
of Ahmedabad is of course
Gandhijis 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

T
he first golf course in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the
country designed by the golf course is located in the middle
American 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).

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 G O L F C O U R S E S I N W E S T I N D I A

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)

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

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

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 G O L F T O U R O P E R A T O R S

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 ww  ww.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 ww ww.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. IGTAs agenda to experience golf in its myriad
work with the Ministry of Tourism forms.
(Government of India), golf Contact: http://igta.in/

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 G O L F I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S I N I N D I A

Essentials While Playing

Golf in India
Carry your handicap certificate, experience more pleasurable in
since most courses ask for it unless summer. Whats 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 players
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