The Belur Golf Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in the country. Located in the scenic Belur village, about 220 km from Bengaluru, the Belur Golf Club is a part of the colonial heritage of Karnataka, dating back to the early 20th century. The club offers a challenging and picturesque 9-hole golf course, set amidst lush greenery and surrounded by hills and forests. The club also has a cozy and elegant clubhouse, where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality of the friendly staff and members.
History of the Belur Golf Club
The Belur Golf Club was established in 1910 by the British planters who settled in the region. The club was originally called the Planters’ Club, as it was mainly used by the tea and coffee planters who lived nearby. The club was also a social hub for the British community, who organized various events and activities there. The club was renamed as the Belur Golf Club in 1947, after India gained independence from the British rule.
The club has witnessed many historical events and personalities over the years. One of the most notable visitors to the club was Mahatma Gandhi, who stayed there for a night in 1934, during his tour of Karnataka. The club also hosted several dignitaries and celebrities, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, R.K. Narayan, M.F. Husain, and Amitabh Bachchan.
The club has also been a popular location for film shootings, as it offers a scenic backdrop and a colonial charm. Some of the famous movies that were shot at the club include Mungaru Male, Gaalipata, Kirik Party, and KGF.
Location and Layout of the Belur Golf Course
The Belur Golf Course is situated in the Belur village, which is part of the Somwarpet taluk in Kodagu district of Karnataka. The village is about 220 km from Bengaluru, 47 km from Chikmagalur, and 92 km from Dharamsthala. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, which is about 150 km away. The nearest railway station is Hassan Junction, which is about 40 km away.
The golf course is spread over an area of about 50 acres, with a total length of about 2,800 yards. The course has nine holes, with two sets of tees for each hole, making it playable as an 18-hole course. The course has a par of 70, with a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 66.9. The course is well-maintained and irrigated by a natural spring that flows through it.
The course offers a variety of challenges and features for golfers of all skill levels. The course has narrow fairways, undulating greens, water hazards, bunkers, trees, and slopes. The course also has stunning views of the hills and forests that surround it. The course is open all year round, except on Mondays.
Signature Hole and Longest Hole of the Belur Golf Course
The signature hole of the Belur Golf Course is the par-4 seventh hole, which is also known as the “Gandhi Hole”. This hole is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who stayed at the club house during his visit to Belur in 1934. The hole is a dogleg left that requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard on the left and the trees on the right. The second shot is uphill to a small green that slopes from back to front. The hole measures 345 yards from the blue tees and 315 yards from the white tees.
The longest hole of the Belur Golf Course is the par-5 ninth hole, which is also known as the “Home Hole”. This hole is a straightaway that requires a long drive to reach the fairway that narrows down as it approaches the green. The green is guarded by two bunkers on either side and a water hazard behind it. The hole measures 495 yards from the blue tees and 465 yards from the white tees.
Interesting Story about the Belur Golf Course
One of the most interesting stories about the Belur Golf Course is related to its creation. According to legend, when the British planters decided to build a golf course in Belur, they faced opposition from some local villagers who did not want to give up their land for it. To resolve this issue, they came up with a clever plan. They invited the villagers to a friendly cricket match, with the condition that the losing team would have to give up their land for the golf course. The planters, who were confident of their cricket skills, expected to win the match easily. However, they did not know that the villagers had secretly hired some professional cricketers from Mysore to play for them. As a result, the villagers won the match by a huge margin, and the planters had to give up their land for the golf course.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Belur Golf Club
Belur has a moderate tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, wet and rainy monsoons, and cool and pleasant winters. The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 34°C throughout the year. The average rainfall is about 1,500 mm per year, with most of it occurring from June to October.
The best time to visit Belur Golf Club is from October to March, when the weather is dry and comfortable, and the golf course is in its best condition. This is also the peak tourist season in Belur, as many visitors come to see the famous Hoysala temples and monuments in the nearby towns of Halebid and Shravanabelagola. The club also hosts some events and tournaments during this period, such as the Belur Open and the Belur Cup.
Belur Golf Club House
The Belur Golf Club House is a charming and elegant building that reflects the colonial architecture and style of the early 20th century. The club house has a spacious lounge, a dining hall, a bar, a library, a billiards room, and a conference hall. The club house also has 12 guest rooms that are well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities. The club house offers a variety of cuisines and beverages for its guests and members, including local delicacies, continental dishes, and exotic cocktails. The club house also has a friendly and courteous staff that provides excellent service and hospitality.
Conclusion
The Belur Golf Club is a perfect destination for golf lovers who want to enjoy a challenging and scenic golf course in a historical and cultural setting. The club also offers a relaxing and comfortable stay at its club house, where you can mingle with other golfers and experience the colonial charm and hospitality of Belur. If you are planning to visit Belur Golf Club, you can book your trip with Indian Golf Safari, a leading travel company that specializes in golf tours in India. Indian Golf Safari will take care of all your travel arrangements, including transportation, accommodation, tee times, sightseeing, and more. You can choose from various packages and customize them according to your preferences and budget. Indian Golf Safari will ensure that you have an unforgettable golfing holiday in Belur.
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