| Golf Courses in J&K:
The
Royal Springs Golf Club ::: Gulmarg Golf Club
 GULMARG
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location
and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier
hill resorts in the country. Gulmarg, a mountain resort of exceptional
beauty- has the highest green golf course in the world, at an
altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in
the winter. On way to Gulmarg travellers generally stop their
vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered
mountains, almost within touching distance.
| Gulmarg Golf Club |
| Year of foundation |
1891 |
| Altitude |
8,799 m |
| No. of Holes |
18 |
| Yardage |
6,985 yards from the Championship tees |
| Par |
72 |
Playing Conditions |
Membership yet to finalized; Open to general
public, walk-ins and tourists are encouraged |
| Club Facilities |
Swimming, Restaurant, Bar, Indoor Games |
Golfing Facilities |
Driving Range, Putting Green |
| Accommodation |
In the City |
|
 Established
in the early days of the British rule by Sir Neville Chamberlain,
K.C.B., the Gulmarg Golf Club has attracted golfers for almost
a century. A lush green bowl covered with a variety of alpine
flowers and criss crossed by snow fed streams and rivulets; gently
undulating slopes carpetted with a natural mossy turf, and a crisply
cool bracing weather!
Redesigned by the famous golf architect, Peter
Thompson, Gulmarg now has a 6,760 yards, par 72, 18 hole golf
course. The highest course in the world, it also boasts of India's
longest hole, a par five, 610 yards. Unlike most of the other
par-fives on the Gulmarg course, the eighth plays much longer
than its 610 yards because of the uphill factor. The green course
includes not only the pre-defined rivulets, streams and ponds,
but also herds of sheep which eliminate the need for lawn mowers
and keep the fairways in top condition.
A golfer at Gulmarg also has to beware of the
local crow which does not hesitate before taking off with a ball
from the fairway, presumably mistaking it for an egg. The most
interesting and trying hole on the Gulmarg course is undoubtedly
the 17th. Although not very long, it calls for some precise hitting
to land on the green which is precariously placed on the edge
of a cliff. The 18th hole, a par five, is an exhilarating experience.
It's downhill travel from St. Mary's Church to the club house,
a drop of 300 feet. The Gulmarg Golf Club is well equipped to
handle the holiday golfer and arrange for the services of caddies
and coaches; golf sets can also be hired at very reasonable rates.
Amenities at the club include a bar, library,
lounge, table tennis, lawn tennis and a putting green. The Gulmarg
course is usually open between April and November, as it is covered
by snow for the rest of the year and its gentle slopes are transformed
into mini ski runs for beginners. |
