If you are looking for a golf course that combines history, beauty, and challenge, you might want to visit the Delhi Golf Club – Lodhi Course, one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in India. Located in the heart of New Delhi, the Lodhi Course offers a unique golfing experience that takes you through ancient monuments, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife. In this blog, we will give you an overview of the Lodhi Course, its history, location, layout, slope and difficulty, signature hole, longest hole, interesting story, best time to visit, and clubhouse. We will also tell you how you can book a golf safari with Indian Golf Safari, a leading travel company that specializes in golf tours in India.
History of the Lodhi Course
The Lodhi Course has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 1930s. It was originally called the Lodhi Golf Club and was laid out by the Chief of the Horticultural Department, who was a golfing Scotsman with a passion for excavation. He chose an area where buried archaeological finds were possible, hoping that future golfers would unearth some sensational discoveries. The course was much larger than the present walled area and included parts of present Golf Links and Kaka Nagar.
The Lodhi Golf Club had few members and was barely sustainable until 1951, when it became the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) with the help of some Indian civil servants who petitioned Prime Minister Nehru to lease the government land to the club at a low annual rent for thirty years. Since then, the DGC has evolved as a favorite watering hole for senior civil servants, police officers, and the business and social elite. The DGC also became a corporate entity in 1950 and hosted the inaugural Indian Open in 1964.
The course was re-designed by Peter Thomson in 1976-77 and became the 18-hole championship Lodhi Course, part of the Asian PGA Tour. The shorter 9-hole Peacock Course was also created at that time. In 2019, the Gary Player Design firm completely redesigned the Lodhi Course, making it more challenging and attractive.
Location of the Lodhi Course
The Lodhi Course is situated in New Delhi, the capital city of India. It is close to some of Delhi’s top tourist attractions such as India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi Zoo, and Lodhi Gardens. The course is easily accessible by road and metro from various parts of the city. The address of the course is:
Delhi Golf Club Ltd., Dr. Zakir Hussain Road, New Delhi 110 003
Layout of the Lodhi Course
The Lodhi Course is a par-72 course that measures 6912 yards from the black tees. It has a slope rating of 130 and a course rating of 73.5. The course features 14 lakes and water bodies, 88 bunkers, and five different types of tees. The course also has many ancient monuments such as tombs, mosques, and walls that add to its charm and challenge.
The course has four par-3s, ten par-4s, and four par-5s. The front nine is considered tougher than the back nine as it has more water hazards and narrow fairways. The back nine is more open and scenic but also has some tricky holes such as the 12th and the 18th.
The course has a driving range and a chipping area where golfers can warm up before their round. There is also a Pro shop where golfers can buy or rent clubs and other equipment. Caddies are available for hire as well.
Slope and Difficulty of the Lodhi Course
The Lodhi Course is not an easy course to play as it requires accuracy, strategy, and skill. The course has many hazards such as water, sand, trees, bushes, monuments, and wildlife that can penalize any errant shot. The greens are fast and undulating and have many challenging pin positions. The wind can also affect the ball flight and distance.
The course has different tee boxes for different levels of players. The black tees are for professionals or low handicappers who can handle the length and difficulty of the course. The blue tees are for mid-handicappers who want a fair test of golf. The white tees are for high handicappers or beginners who want to enjoy the game without too much frustration. The red tees are for ladies who want to play from a shorter distance.
Signature Hole of the Lodhi Course
The signature hole of the Lodhi Course is arguably the 5th hole, a par-3 that measures 172 yards from the black tees. It is also known as “the tomb hole” as it has an elevated green that overlooks a magnificent view of Dal Lake and several tombs from different eras. The hole is visually stunning and challenging as it requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water on the left and the bunker on the right. The green is also sloped and has a false front that can send the ball rolling back. The hole is a test of nerve and skill and can make or break a round.
Longest Hole of the Lodhi Course
The longest hole of the Lodhi Course is the 18th hole, a par-5 that measures 556 yards from the black tees. It is also one of the most difficult holes on the course as it has water in play on both sides of the fairway and a narrow landing area. The hole requires three good shots to reach the green, which is guarded by bunkers and a lake on the left. The hole is a great finishing hole that can reward or punish a golfer depending on their performance.
Interesting Story about the Lodhi Course
One of the most interesting stories about the Lodhi Course is related to the 1968 Indian Open, which was won by Kenji Hosoishi of Japan. The story involves Stan Peach, an Australian golfer who was leading the tournament by six strokes after three rounds. On the final day, Peach was playing well until he reached the 7th hole, a par-3 with a dome-shaped tomb in front of the green. Peach hit his tee shot into the bunker and then topped his second shot, which hit the dome and bounced back near the hole for an easy birdie putt. Peach smiled and thought that he had a lucky break, but little did he know that his luck had run out. His game suddenly fell apart and he lost his lead to Hosoishi, who won the tournament by one stroke. Peach later blamed his loss on the spirits of the tomb, who he believed cursed him for hitting their resting place.
Best Time to Visit the Lodhi Course
The best time to visit the Lodhi Course is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool in Delhi. The course is also in its best condition during these months as it is well-maintained and green. The course is open all year round, but it can get very hot and humid from April to June, when temperatures can reach 40 °C or higher. The monsoon season from July to September can also affect the golfing experience as it can cause rain delays and wet conditions.
Clubhouse of the Lodhi Course
The clubhouse of the Lodhi Course is a large bungalow-style building with extensive lawns, gazebos, and several indoor and outdoor bars and restaurants. The clubhouse offers a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Mughlai. The clubhouse also has a health club with a swimming pool, gymnasium, sauna, and massage facilities. The clubhouse has a lounge, banquet hall, locker rooms, and other amenities for members and guests.
How to Book a Golf Safari with Indian Golf Safari
If you are interested in playing at the Lodhi Course or other golf courses in India, you can book a golf safari with Indian Golf Safari, a leading travel company that specializes in golf tours in India. Indian Golf Safari offers customized golf packages that include accommodation, transportation, green fees, caddies, sightseeing, and other services.
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