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 Kashmir offers the golfer some exciting
rounds. From April through to the Autumn, the cooler
temperatures allow the golfer to enjoy this superb sport. Both
Srinagar and Gulmarg have exciting golf courses to play. Both
challenge golfers with their idiosyncratic fairways and bunkers.
Gulmarg, at 2650 metres above sea level is an 18 hole, 72 par
course. Golf here is steeped in history: the British founded the
club, and in later years, before the troubles in the Valley, the
Northern Indian Championships were held here.
The courses had delightful names including 'Rabbits Course and
Upper Golf Course. Today playing all year round - snow
permitting - the mossy turf is soft and mixed with a variety of
grasses.
It's fast to play on and, with the combination of the thin air
(the ball literally 'whistles' as it flies through the air)
makes for a very exciting golfing experience. Srinagar offers
the Royal Springs Golf Course, a testing 18 hole, par 72 course
designed by Robert Trent Jones -11. Spread over 300 acres of
undulating fairways and greens, the course uses the natural
landscape to challenge the most discerning gofer. The setting is
delightful and the magnificent ruins of the Pari Mahal make a
haunting backdrop. The course is open all year round.
Gulmarg
At an altitude of 2650m the historic Gulmarg Golf Club was
formed in 1911 by the British - although in fact golf actually
started here in 1890 when the first 6 hole course was built by
Colonel Neville Chamberlain. Additional ‘browns’ were soon added
and the course became known as ‘The Upper Course. Later in 1915
the nine hole ‘Rabbits Course’ was built.
Today, guests can enjoy a challenging 18 hole course designed by
Peter Thomson Associates of Australia set amidst stunning views.
The course has a fascinating peculiarity - due to the rarefied
atmosphere the ball ‘whistles’ as it heads for the next hole!
Over the years the club has hosted many
prestigious events including the Northern Indian championship.
Guests are invited to enjoy the benefits of the Club House with
its restaurant. In town there are numerous Pro-golf shops.
Course details:
18 hole par 72
The turf is soft since it is buried (often for months at a
time) in the winter snows. The greens are fast and comprise of a
mixture of moss and grass. The course follows the natural slope
of the land and, in the thin air, expect the ball to travel a
lot further!
Royal Springs Golf Course - Srinagar
Designed by the internationally renowned Golf course
designer – Robert Trent Jones Jr.11 - the 300 acre sprawling
course, near the famous Cheshma Shahi, overlooks the stunning
Dal Lakes and is framed by the dramatic Zabarwan Hills. A new
club house, built in a sympathetically traditional Kashmiri
style is soon to be opened and will offer: changing rooms, bar,
restaurant, billiards, cards and ping-pong. Plus a Pro-shop for
all the golfers need.
Course Details:
18 hole – 6445 metres – Par 72
The fairways are turfed with a mix of rye and Kentucky blue
grass. Tall trees bordering the fairways can outwit the unwary
player!
Kashmir Golf Club, Srinagar
The Kashmir Golf Club is ideal for those wishing to take up
the challenges of this addictive game in the more temperate
climate of Srinagar. The sprawling 52 acre course adjoins the
centrally located Maulana Azad Road - the City’s main avenue,
thus enabling visiting business people to enjoy a round or two
close to their hotel or conference centre.
The Kashmir Golf Club has been the venue of
many tournaments, and with an extended season from April to
November allows players to enjoy a longer than average season.
The club has produced many famous Pros -
principally Ghulam Mohammad who taught many an aspiring player
including the ex-Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Course Details:
18 hole. Par 70
With well laid out bunkers and hazards, interspersed between
chinars & pine
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