Kashmir Golf Tours
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 pfay. 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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