If you are looking for a golfing destination that offers a challenging and scenic course, a pleasant climate, and a rich cultural heritage, you might want to consider Belgaum Golf Club in Karnataka, India. Belgaum Golf Club is a public golf course that was established in 1996 by the Belgaum Golf Association, a non-profit organization that aims to promote golf in the region. The club is located in Desur, a village about 15 km from the city of Belgaum, which is also known as Belagavi.
History of Belgaum Golf Club
Golf has not been an unknown entity for most of the residents of Belgaum. The Cantonment of Belgaum had carved out some land for a golf course from its land at the center of the city even during the British days. However, the course was not well maintained and gradually fell into disuse. In 1994, a group of golf enthusiasts decided to revive the sport in Belgaum and formed the Belgaum Golf Association. They acquired a 150-acre plot of land in Desur, which was previously used for sugarcane cultivation, and started to develop a golf course with the help of a professional golf course designer. The course was inaugurated in 1996 and has since been attracting golfers from all over the country and abroad.
Location and Accessibility of Belgaum Golf Club
Belgaum Golf Club is situated on the Deccan plateau, close to the Western Ghats and within a two-hour drive from Goa, Kolhapur, and Hubli. The club is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Belgaum has a domestic airport that connects it to major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The nearest international airport is Goa, which is about 150 km away. Belgaum is also well connected by rail and road to other parts of the country. The club is about 15 km from the Belgaum railway station and the Belgaum bus stand. The club provides transportation facilities for its guests and members from the airport, railway station, and bus stand.
Layout and Features of Belgaum Golf Club
Belgaum Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72, 7200-yard golf course that offers a variety of challenges, aesthetics, strategies, and fun for golfers of all levels. The course features six holes that border the Rivulet Mangotri, a natural water body that adds to the beauty and difficulty of the course. The course also has several bunkers, doglegs, and elevation changes that test the skills and accuracy of the players. The course is well maintained and has a lush green fairway and a smooth and fast green. The club also has a driving range, a putting green, a chipping area, and a practice bunker for the golfers to warm up and improve their game. The club also provides golf equipment, caddies, and coaches for the convenience and guidance of the players.
Slope and Difficulty of Belgaum Golf Club
Belgaum Golf Club is a challenging course that requires a good strategy and shot selection to score well. The course has a slope rating of 123 and a course rating of 73.1 for men, and a slope rating of 125 and a course rating of 74.1 for women. The course is suitable for both beginners and advanced players, as it has different tees for different levels of play. The white tees are the longest and the most difficult, while the red tees are the shortest and the easiest. The course also has a handicap system that allows players of different abilities to compete on equal terms.
Signature Hole of Belgaum Golf Club
The signature hole of Belgaum Golf Club is the 15th hole, a par-5, 614-yard hole that is the longest and the most challenging hole on the course. The hole is a dogleg right that bends around the Rivulet Mangotri, which runs along the right side of the fairway. The tee shot requires a long and accurate drive to avoid the water hazard and the trees on the right, and to set up a good position for the second shot. The second shot is a risky one, as the player has to decide whether to go for the green in two or to lay up short of the water. The green is guarded by water on the front and the right, and by bunkers on the left and the back. The green is also undulating and fast, making the putting difficult. The hole is a true test of skill, courage, and judgment, and can make or break the round.
Longest Hole of Belgaum Golf Club
The longest hole of Belgaum Golf Club is the same as the signature hole, the 15th hole, a par-5, 614-yard hole. The hole is also the most difficult hole on the course, with a stroke index of 1. The hole requires a good tee shot, a good second shot, and a good approach shot to reach the green in regulation. The hole also requires a good putting, as the green is tricky and fast. The hole is a rewarding one for those who can play it well, and a punishing one for those who cannot.
Interesting Story about Belgaum Golf Club
One of the interesting stories about Belgaum Golf Club is the story of how it hosted the first ever professional golf tournament in Karnataka, the Hero Honda Karnataka Open, in 2004. The tournament was organized by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and was sponsored by Hero Honda, a leading motorcycle manufacturer in India. The tournament attracted some of the top golfers in the country, such as Jyoti Randhawa, Mukesh Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Shiv Kapur. The tournament was a four-day, 72-hole stroke play event, with a prize money of Rs. 10 lakh. The tournament was a huge success and was widely covered by the media. The tournament also boosted the popularity and recognition of Belgaum Golf Club and golf in Karnataka.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Belgaum Golf Club
Belgaum has a tropical savanna climate, with a rainy season from June to October, due to the monsoon, and a dry season from November to March. The average annual temperature is 24.3 °C, and the average annual rainfall is 976 mm. Belgaum is known for its pleasant year-round climate, as it is located at an altitude of 762 m above sea level and has a moderate humidity. Belgaum is at its coldest in winter, and it experiences almost continuous monsoon rains from June to September. The best time to visit Belgaum Golf Club is from November to March, when the weather is dry, sunny, and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 15 to 30 °C, and the rainfall is minimal. The course is also in its best condition, as it is well watered and green. The club also organizes various tournaments and events during this season, such as the Belgaum Open, the Belgaum Cup, and the Belgaum Masters.
Clubhouse and Facilities of Belgaum Golf Club
Belgaum Golf Club has a spacious and elegant clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services for its guests and members. The clubhouse has a restaurant that serves delicious and hygienic food, a bar that offers a variety of drinks and snacks, a lounge that provides a relaxing and cozy atmosphere, and a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 200 people for various functions and events. The clubhouse also has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and accessories, a locker room that provides storage and changing facilities, and a billiards room that offers entertainment and recreation. The clubhouse also has a swimming pool, a gym, a spa, and a sauna that provide fitness and wellness options for the guests and members. The clubhouse also has a conference room, a library, and a card room that cater to the business and leisure needs of the guests and members.
Indian Golf Safari: Your Trusted Partner for Golfing in India
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