Kashmir offers outstanding opportunities for the golf players all through the summer - from April to November - in inspiring surroundings, through trees of chinar and pine.
In the flourishing golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, one is able to play for longer hours than one can in the plains because of the lower temperatures (Srinagar's highest temperature never goes beyond 30 deg. Celsius). Srinagar has an 18 hole golf course with common fairways, and a par of 70.
Kashmir boasts of acquiring one of the world's highest green golf courses, as well as a clubhouse, a historical building in its own right, situated at Gulmarg, also one of the finest hill stations at J&K. Situated at an incredibly high altitude of 3730 metres above sea level, it is not only the highest green golf course anywhere in the world but also one of the most beautiful with amazing ambience. The tourism department of J&K justly offers all required facilities for the travelers and golf lovers. There are various facilities for both the beginners and the experts. For the starter, there are golf sets on hire, instructors to instruct one in the game, and temporary memberships. Similarly, these facilities are available for the players as well, leaving out the serious golfers, who usually carry their sets along.
This club was established in the early days of the British rule by Sir Neville Chamberlain, K.C.B. The Gulmarg Golf Club has attracted many golfers for almost a century. The Gulmarg Golf Club is surrounded by a lush green trees, alpine flowers and crises crossed by snow fed streams and rivulets; gently twisting slopes covered with a natural mossy terrain, and a crispy cool caressing weather. This golf course was redesigned by the famous golf architect, Peter Thompson. Today it has a 6,760 yards, par 72, 18 hole. The layout of the course too is strikingly different from most golf courses - hardly any stretch is flat - the land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course which has a par of 72. This highest golf course in the world, 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 features not only the rippling rivulets, pre-defined streams and ponds, but also herds of sheep which rule out the need for lawn mowers and keep the fairways in excellent condition.
The Gulmarg Golf Club is adequate enough to handle the holiday golfer and organise for the services of caddies and coaches. Golf sets can also be hired at very affordable and reasonable rates. Facilities at the club consist of a bar, library, lounge, table tennis, lawn tennis and lots more. The Gulmarg golf course is generally open between April and November, as it is concealed by snow for the rest of the year and its disciplined slopes are converted into mini ski runs for beginners.
The Kashmir Golf Club has all the excellently fitted equipment that makes playing golf an unforgettable experience. It is spread over 52 sprawling acres of lush land adjoining the Maulana Azad Road, the City’s main avenue. The Kashmir Golf with well laid out bunkers and hazards, interspersed between chinars & pine is a professional 18-hole course and has been the venue of many tournaments. The course has common fairways and a par of 70. Srinagar offers an exclusive opportunity for golf enthusiasts to play through the summer, from April to November. Srinagar's pleasant climate allows the golfer to play longer hours without getting tired.
Spread over an area of 300 acres near the famous Cheshma Shahi, The Royal Springs Golf Course was designed and built by the World renowned Golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. II, who has designed about 500 golf courses all around the World. The Golf course located here overlooks the famous and picturesque Dal Lake, is set in a natural environment founded against the scenic backdrop of Zabarwan hills. The setting is a combination of aesthetic delight and golfing pleasure and is a truly transcending experience of the Golfer and nature lover alike. The 118 holes, 6445 meters course at a par of 72 offers a challenge to all levels of players.
