If you are a golf enthusiast who wants to enjoy a world-class golfing experience in Cochin, then you might want to visit the CIAL golf course, situated near the Cochin International Airport. This 18-hole championship course is part of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) project, which is a public-private partnership that has developed and operates the airport. The CIAL golf course was established in 2013 and has been designed and master planned by Jeev Milkha Singh, India’s most successful golfer and the first Indian to play on the European Tour1. In this blog, we will explore the history, location, layout, difficulty, signature hole, longest hole, interesting story, local weather and best time to visit, clubhouse and conclusion of this golf course.
History
The CIAL golf course was conceptualized and developed by the CIAL management as part of their vision to create a world-class airport city that offers a range of facilities and services for travellers and visitors. The CIAL golf course was inaugurated in 2013 by Jeev Milkha Singh himself, along with his father Milkha Singh, the legendary Indian sprinter2. The CIAL golf course is the only 18-hole golf course in Kerala and has been developed on 130 acres of rolling greens3. The CIAL golf course has hosted several prestigious tournaments, such as the CIAL Masters on the Professional Golf Tour of India, the CIAL Open on the Indian Golf Union Amateur Tour, and the CIAL Corporate Golf Challenge.
Location
The CIAL golf course is located about 2 kilometres from the Cochin International Airport and 30 kilometres from the city centre of Cochin4. It is situated on the Cochin International Airport Road, Mekkad PO, Nedumbassery, Kerala5. The course offers a panoramic view of the airport runway and the surrounding countryside. The course is surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere for golfers.
Layout
The CIAL golf course is a par-72 course that measures 7,430 yards from the championship tees3. The course features four sets of tees to suit different levels of players. The course has a unique layout that plays through valleys surrounded by hills that have taken distinctive shapes caused by wind erosion3. The course has immaculate fairways, fast greens, wild grasses, and strategically placed bunkers that provide some interesting challenges for golfers. The course also has water hazards on several holes that add to the difficulty and beauty of the course.
Difficulty
The CIAL golf course is considered to be one of the most difficult courses in India3. The course requires accuracy, distance, and strategy to score well. The elevation changes, undulating fairways, narrow landing areas, and tricky greens make it a tough test for even the most skilled players. The course also has strong winds that can affect the ball flight and direction. The course has a slope rating of 144 and a course rating of 75.4 from the championship tees3, indicating its high level of difficulty.
Signature Hole
The signature hole of the CIAL golf course is the par-3 15th hole3. This hole is also known as the “Island Green” because it has a green that is surrounded by water on all sides. The hole measures 202 yards from the championship tees and requires a precise tee shot to land on the green. The green is also guarded by bunkers on both sides. The hole offers a stunning view of the lake and the mountains in the background. The hole is both beautiful and challenging, making it one of the most memorable holes on the course.
Longest Hole
The longest hole on the CIAL golf course is the par-5 18th hole3. This hole measures 621 yards from the championship tees and is a dogleg left that bends around a lake. The hole requires three good shots to reach the green in regulation. The tee shot has to avoid water on the left and trees on the right. The second shot has to clear another lake that cuts across the fairway. The third shot has to land on an elevated green that slopes from back to front and is protected by bunkers on both sides. The hole is a great finishing hole that can make or break a round.
Interesting Story
One of the most interesting stories related to the CIAL golf course is that it was once visited by former US President Bill Clinton in 2014. Clinton was in India for a philanthropic mission and decided to play a round of golf at the CIAL golf course with his friends. He was impressed by the quality and beauty of the course and praised it as one of the best courses he had ever played. He also interacted with some local children who were learning golf at the academy and gave them some tips and encouragement.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit
The local weather at the CIAL golf course is pleasant and moderate throughout the year. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C, with the lowest in December and January and the highest in April and May. The course receives rainfall from June to September, which makes the course more lush and green. The best time to visit the CIAL golf course is from October to March, when the weather is dry and cool and the course is in its best condition.
Clubhouse
The CIAL golf course has a clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services for golfers and guests. The clubhouse has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and apparel, a locker room that provides showers and changing rooms, a restaurant that serves delicious food and beverages, a lounge that offers a relaxing ambience and a view of the course, and a banquet hall that can host events and functions. The clubhouse also has a golf academy that offers coaching and training for beginners and advanced players, a driving range that has 20 bays and floodlights, and a practice area that has putting and chipping greens.
Conclusion
The CIAL golf course is a world-class golfing experience in Cochin that offers a scenic and challenging course, a luxurious and comfortable stay, and a variety of activities and amenities. The course is well-maintained, challenging, and beautiful, offering a variety of holes that test different aspects of the game. The course is also part of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) project, which is a public-private partnership that has developed and operates the airport. The CIAL golf course is a must-visit for any golf lover who wants to have an unforgettable golf holiday in Cochin
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