If you are looking for a golfing destination that combines history, culture, and natural beauty, you might want to consider the Mysore golf club. Located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka, this club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in India. It was established by the late Maharaja Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in 1906, who chose the foothills of the famous Chamundi Hills as the locale for the race and golf courses. The club was later named after his successor, H.H. Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, who was an avid golfer and patron of the sport.
History of the Golf Course
The Mysore golf club has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. The club started as a 9-hole course that was maintained by the Mysore Sports Club and the Mysore Race Club2. In 1977, the Mysore Race Club handed over the management of the course to a group of eight visionary golfers who formed the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club. The new club had not only the maintenance of the course in mind but also the promotion of the game. The club affiliated itself to the Indian Golf Union and other golf clubs.
In 1996, the club underwent a major transformation with the help of a grant from the Tourism Department, Government of India. The club hired Pacific Coast Design, an Australian firm, to redesign the course and upgrade it to international standards. The course was expanded to 18 holes and irrigated greens and tees were introduced. The new course layout was inaugurated in 1996 and has been attracting golfers from all over the world ever since.
Layout of the Golf Course
The Mysore golf club is an 18-hole par-70 course that measures 6,257 yards from the championship tees. The course is set on a rolling terrain with lush fairways and well-manicured greens. The course offers a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels, such as water hazards, bunkers, doglegs, and elevation changes. The course also boasts of scenic views of the Chamundi Hills and the Mysore Palace.
The signature hole of the course is the par-4 16th hole, which is also known as “The Maharaja’s Hole”. This hole is named after H.H. Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, who used to play this hole regularly with his guests. The hole is a dogleg right that requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water on the left and the trees on the right. The second shot is uphill to a green that is guarded by bunkers on both sides. The hole offers a panoramic view of the Mysore Palace and the city skyline.
The longest hole of the course is the par-5 10th hole, which measures 545 yards from the championship tees. This hole is a straightaway that requires three solid shots to reach the green. The fairway is narrow and lined with trees on both sides. The green is large and undulating, making putting a challenge. The hole also has a water hazard on the left side of the green that comes into play for longer hitters.
Slope and Difficulty
The Mysore golf club has a slope rating of 125 and a course rating of 70.1 from the championship tees. This means that the course is moderately difficult for scratch golfers. However, for higher handicappers, the course can be quite challenging due to its tight fairways, fast greens, and strategic hazards. The course also requires good course management and shot selection to score well.
Local Weather
The Mysore golf club enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year due to its elevation of 770 meters above sea level. The average temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C, with cooler nights and mornings. The best time to play golf at Mysore is from October to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. However, even during the monsoon season from June to September, the course remains playable as it drains well.
Club House
The Mysore golf club has a spacious and elegant club house that offers various facilities and amenities for its members and guests. The club house has a restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks with a view of the course. The club house also has a bar, a lounge, a conference hall, a pro shop, and locker rooms. The club house also provides accommodation for visitors who wish to stay overnight or longer. The club house has double bed rooms with air conditioning, television, and internet access.
Conclusion
The Mysore golf club is a golfing paradise that combines royal heritage, natural beauty, and modern design. The club offers a memorable golfing experience for golfers of all levels, as well as a relaxing and comfortable stay for visitors. The club is also a great place to explore the culture and history of Mysore, which is known as the “City of Palaces”. The Mysore golf club is a must-visit destination for any golf enthusiast who wants to enjoy the game in a unique and historic setting.
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