If you are looking for a historic and picturesque golf destination, you should definitely visit the Kashmir golf course. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful golf courses in India, located in the heart of Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The golf course is spread over 52 acres of lush green land, with the majestic Zabarwan hills and the famous Dal Lake as its backdrop. The golf course is open all year round, except for a few days in winter when it gets covered by snow.
History
The Kashmir golf course has a long and illustrious history. It was established in 1887 by Sir Neville Chamberlain, a British army officer who was also an avid golfer. He laid out a 9-hole course on the banks of the Dal Lake, using wooden clubs and gutta-percha balls. The course was later expanded to 18 holes by Sir Francis Younghusband, another British officer who led the British expedition to Tibet in 1904. The course was frequented by many dignitaries and celebrities, including Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, and Amitabh Bachchan.
The Kashmir golf course has witnessed many historic events and changes over the years. It was the venue for the first All India Amateur Golf Championship in 1895, which was won by Major Hadow of the Royal Artillery. It was also the venue for the first Kashmir Open Golf Championship in 1938, which was won by Ghulam Mohammad of Srinagar. The course was damaged by floods in 1959 and 2014, but was restored and renovated with the help of the government and the golfers. The course was also affected by the political turmoil and violence in Kashmir, but remained a symbol of peace and harmony among the people.
Golf Course Layout
The Kashmir golf course features 18 holes with a total length of 6,602 yards (6,036 m), making it one of the longest golf courses in India . The course has a par of 72 and a slope rating of 120. The fairways are wide and flat, with many trees and water hazards. The greens are large and smooth, with gentle slopes and curves. The course offers panoramic views of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills.
Slope and Difficulty
The Kashmir golf course is not very difficult, but it is not very easy either. It is a moderate course that requires accuracy, skill and strategy. The high altitude makes the ball fly farther but also reduces the oxygen level for the players. The weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, affecting the playing conditions. The course demands careful shot selection, as well as physical endurance and mental toughness.
Signature Hole and Longest Hole
The signature hole of the Kashmir golf course is the 6th hole, a 565-yard par 5. It is also the longest hole on the course . The hole starts with a downhill tee shot that needs to avoid a stream on the left and a bunker on the right. The second shot is uphill towards a dogleg left fairway that has a lake on the left and trees on the right. The third shot is towards a large green that has bunkers on both sides and a water hazard behind it.
The signature hole of the Kashmir golf course is also one of its most scenic ones. It offers a stunning view of the Dal Lake and the Zabarwan hills.
Interesting Story
One of the most interesting stories about the Kashmir golf course is related to its caddies. These are local boys who accompany the players and help them carry their clubs and bags. The caddies are also experts in golfing, as they learn from watching and playing with the players. They are friendly and helpful, and often share their knowledge and stories about Kashmir with the visitors.
One such caddy is Mohammad Shafi Dar, who has been working at the Kashmir golf course since he was 12 years old. He is now 65 years old and has caddied for many famous people, including Rajiv Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shubhankar Sharma, Rashid Khan, Udayan Mane, Aman Raj, Karandeep Kochhar, and many others. He is also a good golfer himself, having won many tournaments and trophies. He is known as the “King of Caddies” and is respected and loved by everyone at the golf course.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit
The local weather of Kashmir is influenced by its location and altitude. It has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Spring (March to May) is pleasant and colorful, with flowers blooming all over the valley. Summer (June to August) is warm and sunny, with occasional showers. Autumn (September to November) is cool and crisp, with golden leaves falling from the trees. Winter (December to February) is cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below zero.
The best time to visit Kashmir golf course depends on your preference and purpose. If you want to enjoy golfing in a green and serene setting, you should visit between March and November. If you want to experience snowfall and winter sports, you should visit between December and February. However, you should always check the weather forecast before planning your trip, as it can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Clubhouse
The Kashmir golf course has a clubhouse that provides various facilities and services for the players and visitors. The clubhouse has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and accessories, a restaurant that serves delicious Kashmiri cuisine and beverages, a locker room that offers storage and changing facilities, and a lounge that offers relaxation and entertainment. The clubhouse also has a conference hall that can host meetings and events, and a banquet hall that can host parties and celebrations. The clubhouse is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day.
Conclusion
The Kashmir golf course is a must-visit destination for golf lovers and nature lovers alike. It is a place where you can enjoy the game of golf in a historic and picturesque setting, challenge yourself with a moderate course, learn from the local caddies, and have fun with snowfall and winter sports in winter. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories and stories. It is a place where you can find heaven in Kashmir.
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