If you are a golf enthusiast and looking for a unique and memorable experience, you might want to consider visiting the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) in Kolkata, India. RCGC is not only the oldest golf club in India, but also the first outside Great Britain. Established in 1829, RCGC has a rich history and a beautiful parkland course that offers a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels. In this blog, we will explore some of the features and attractions of this historic club and its course.
History of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club was founded by a group of British officers and civilians who wanted to enjoy the game of golf in India. Originally located near what is now Kolkata airport, the club moved to the Maidan, a large open space in the heart of the city, in 18421. The club hosted many tournaments and events, including the first Indian Open in 18951.
In 1910, the club relocated to its present location at Tollygunge, a suburb of Kolkata, where it acquired a 160-acre land from Sir William Cruikshank, a former Chief Justice of Bengal1. The club was granted the title “Royal” by King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 to commemorate their visit to Kolkata1. The club also received patronage from other members of the British royal family, such as King Edward VIII and Prince Philip.
The club has witnessed many changes and developments over the years, both in terms of its infrastructure and its membership. The club has renovated and expanded its clubhouse, added new facilities such as tennis courts and a swimming pool, and opened its doors to Indian members after independence1. The club has also hosted many prestigious tournaments and events, such as the Indian Amateur Championship, the All India Ladies Amateur Championship, the Eastern India Amateur Championship, and the Tata Open.
Layout of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club Course
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club course is a par-72, 18-hole course that measures 7,237 yards from the blue tees2. The course was designed by Peter Thomson, Bob Shearer, Ranjit Nanda, and Vijit Nandrajog in 19962. The course is mostly flat, with many natural water hazards with water lilies and largish greens. The course is well-maintained and offers a scenic view of the surrounding greenery.
The course is divided into two nines: the Maidan Nine and the Tollygunge Nine. The Maidan Nine is named after the club’s former location and features some of the oldest holes on the course. The Tollygunge Nine is named after the club’s current location and features some of the newer holes on the course. Both nines have their own challenges and characteristics that test different aspects of a golfer’s game.
Some of the notable holes on the course are:
- Hole 1: A 359-yard par-4 that requires a straight drive to avoid water on both sides of the fairway. The green is guarded by bunkers on both sides and has a slight slope from back to front.
- Hole 4: A 570-yard par-5 that is the longest hole on the course. The hole doglegs to the right and has water along the right side of the fairway. The green is elevated and protected by bunkers in front and behind.
- Hole 9: A 429-yard par-4 that is considered the signature hole of the course. The hole has water running along the entire left side of the fairway and across the front of the green. The green is large and undulating, making putting difficult.
- Hole 13: A 233-yard par-3 that is one of the toughest holes on the course. The hole has water on both sides of the tee box and in front of the green. The green is narrow and long, with bunkers on both sides.
- Hole 18: A 437-yard par-4 that is a challenging finishing hole. The hole has water on both sides of the fairway and a large pond in front of the green. The green is sloped from back to front and has bunkers on both sides.
Slope and Difficulty of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club Course
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club course has a rating of 75.3 and a slope of 138 from the blue tees, making it one of the most difficult courses in India. The course demands accuracy, distance, strategy, and skill from golfers who want to score well. The course also has different sets of tees for different levels of players, such as white, yellow, and red tees, with varying ratings and slopes.
The course is also affected by the local weather, which can change the playing conditions and the difficulty of the course. Kolkata has a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot and humid summers, mild winters, and heavy monsoon rains. The best time to visit the club and play the course is from October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier.
Clubhouse and Facilities of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club has a spacious and elegant clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services for its members and guests. The clubhouse has a dining room, a bar, a lounge, a library, a billiards room, a card room, a conference room, and a banquet hall3. The clubhouse also has a pro shop, a locker room, a gymnasium, and a spa.
The club also has other facilities for sports and recreation, such as tennis courts, a swimming pool, a lawn bowls pavilion, and a driving range. The club also has a golf academy that offers coaching and training for golfers of all ages and levels.
Conclusion
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club is a historic and prestigious club that offers a challenging and enjoyable golf experience for its members and guests. The club has a beautiful and well-maintained course that tests every aspect of a golfer’s game. The club also has a grand and comfortable clubhouse that provides various facilities and services for relaxation and entertainment. The club is a must-visit destination for golf lovers who want to experience the history and culture of golf in India.
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