The Cochin Golf Club, one of the oldest and most picturesque golf courses in the country. Located on the serene Bolghatty Island in Kochi, Kerala, the Cochin Golf Club offers a challenging and enjoyable nine-hole course that can be played as an 18-hole course with different tees. The course is surrounded by the beautiful backwaters of Kochi and offers stunning views of the city skyline and the historic Bolghatty Palace. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Cochin Golf Club, including its history, location, layout, slope and difficulty, signature hole, longest hole, interesting story, local weather and best time to visit, and clubhouse. This blog is brought to you by Indian Golf Safari, your trusted partner for golf tours in India.
History of Cochin Golf Club
The Cochin Golf Club was established in 1922 by the British officials and businessmen who were stationed in Kochi and Alleppey. The club was located on the Bolghatty Island, which was leased to the British by the Cochin State along with the surrounding area for an annual rent of Rs. 6,000. The island was also the seat of the British Resident, who used to stay at the Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744. The palace is now a hotel owned and managed by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation.
The club house of the Cochin Golf Club was inaugurated on January 2, 1923 by H.H. Jones, ESQ, the then president of the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The club house is a small three-roomed building built like a typical estate bungalow that harmoniously blends with the greens and the adjoining palace. The club house functions as an office, a dressing room, and a pavilion for guests.
The Cochin Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in India and has a rich heritage and history. The club has hosted many eminent personalities over the years, including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Lord Mountbatten, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, and many others.
Location of Cochin Golf Club
The Cochin Golf Club is located on the Bolghatty Island in Kochi, Kerala. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge and can be reached by road or by boat. The club is about 30 minutes drive from Kochi city center and about 45 minutes drive from Kochi International Airport. The club is also close to many tourist attractions in Kochi, such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, Marine Drive, and Lulu Mall.
Layout of Cochin Golf Club
The Cochin Golf Club has a very compact nine-hole course that can be played as an 18-hole course with different tees. The course is par 30 and measures 1822 yards when played as a nine-hole course and 3471 yards when played as an 18-hole course. The course has a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 28.6.
The course is laid out around the Bolghatty Palace estate and is bordered by the Vembanad Lake on three sides. The course has undulating fairways, water hazards, bunkers, trees, and shrubs that add to its difficulty and beauty. The course also offers spectacular views of the backwaters and the city skyline.
The course has four par-4 holes and five par-3 holes. The longest hole is the first hole (or the tenth hole when played as an 18-hole course), which is a par-4 hole measuring 251 yards (or 222 yards when played from a different tee). The shortest hole is the fourth hole (or the thirteenth hole when played as an 18-hole course), which is a par-3 hole measuring 111 yards (or 102 yards when played from a different tee).
Slope and Difficulty of Cochin Golf Club
The slope rating of a golf course is a measure of its difficulty for a bogey golfer (a golfer who typically shoots one over par on each hole). The higher the slope rating, the more difficult the course is. The average slope rating for a golf course in the US is 113.
The slope rating of the Cochin Golf Club is 113, which means that it is an average difficulty course for a bogey golfer. However, this does not mean that the course is easy for everyone. The course has many challenges that require accuracy and strategy from golfers of all levels.
Some of the challenges include:
- Water hazards: The course has water hazards on seven out of nine holes (or 14 out of 18 holes when played as an 18-hole course). The water hazards are mostly on the left side of the fairways and greens, which can penalize golfers who tend to slice the ball. The water hazards also add to the scenic beauty of the course and create a contrast with the greenery.
- Bunkers: The course has bunkers on six out of nine holes (or 12 out of 18 holes when played as an 18-hole course). The bunkers are mostly located near the greens and can pose a challenge for golfers who miss the greens or have poor bunker shots. The bunkers also add to the variety and challenge of the course.
- Trees and shrubs: The course has trees and shrubs on eight out of nine holes (or 16 out of 18 holes when played as an 18-hole course). The trees and shrubs can obstruct the view and the shot of golfers who hit the ball off the fairway or into the rough. The trees and shrubs also add to the natural beauty and character of the course.
Signature Hole of Cochin Golf Club
The signature hole of the Cochin Golf Club is the ninth hole (or the eighteenth hole when played as an 18-hole course), which is a par-3 hole measuring 219 yards (or 226 yards when played from a different tee). This hole is considered the most scenic and challenging hole on the course, as it requires a long and accurate tee shot over water to reach a narrow green that is guarded by bunkers on both sides. The hole also offers a stunning view of the Bolghatty Palace, the backwaters, and the city skyline.
Longest Hole of Cochin Golf Club
The longest hole of the Cochin Golf Club is the first hole (or the tenth hole when played as an 18-hole course), which is a par-4 hole measuring 251 yards (or 222 yards when played from a different tee). This hole is considered a good opening hole, as it requires a straight and solid tee shot to avoid water on the left and trees on the right. The hole also has a slight dogleg to the left, which adds to its difficulty and interest. The green is large and flat, but has bunkers on both sides.
Interesting Story about Cochin Golf Club
One of the most interesting stories about the Cochin Golf Club is related to Mahatma Gandhi, who visited Kochi in 1925. According to Joseph Thomas, president of the club, Gandhi was invited by Sir Robert Bristow, a British engineer who was in charge of developing Kochi port, to play golf at the club. Gandhi accepted the invitation, but instead of playing golf, he used the opportunity to address a large gathering of people at the club premises. He spoke about his ideals of non-violence, truth, and freedom, and inspired many people to join his movement.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit Cochin Golf Club
The local weather in Kochi is tropical and humid, with hot summers, heavy monsoons, and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C throughout the year. The average rainfall is about 3000 mm per year, with most of it occurring from June to September.
The best time to visit Cochin Golf Club is from December to March, as it is the dry season and the weather is normally pleasant and comfortable. The temperature is moderate, ranging from 23°C to 32°C, and the humidity is low. The rainfall is minimal, averaging about 20 mm per month. This is also the peak tourist season in Kochi, as many festivals and events take place during this time.
The summer season from March to June is not very ideal for visiting Cochin Golf Club, as it is very hot and humid. The temperature can go up to 35°C or more, and the humidity can reach up to 90%. The rainfall is moderate, averaging about 100 mm per month. This is also a low tourist season in Kochi, as many people avoid traveling due to the heat.
The monsoon season from July to September is also not very favorable for visiting Cochin Golf Club, as it is very wet and cloudy. The temperature is slightly lower than summer, ranging from 24°C to 30°C, but the humidity is very high. The rainfall is very heavy, averaging about 600 mm per month. This is also a low tourist season in Kochi, as many people avoid traveling due to the rain.
However, some people may enjoy visiting Cochin Golf Club during summer or monsoon, as they can get lower rates for accommodation and travel. They can also experience a different aspect of Kochi’s culture and nature during these seasons.
Clubhouse of Cochin Golf Club
The clubhouse of Cochin Golf Club is a small but cozy and elegant building that serves as a meeting point for the members and guests of the club. The clubhouse has a lounge, a dining room, a bar, a pro shop, and a locker room. The clubhouse also has a veranda that overlooks the golf course and the backwaters.
The lounge is a spacious and comfortable area where golfers can relax and socialize before or after their game. The lounge has sofas, chairs, tables, magazines, newspapers, and a television. The lounge also has a fireplace that adds to its warmth and charm.
The dining room is a fine dining restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Kerala cuisine as well as continental and Chinese dishes. The dining room has a capacity of 40 people and can be booked for private parties and events. The dining room also has a buffet service on weekends and holidays.
The bar is a well-stocked and lively place where golfers can enjoy a variety of drinks and snacks. The bar has a capacity of 20 people and can be booked for private parties and events. The bar also has a happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm on weekdays.
The pro shop is a store that sells golf equipment, accessories, apparel, souvenirs, and gifts. The pro shop has a wide range of products from leading brands such as Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Adidas, Puma, and others. The pro shop also offers club rental, repair, and fitting services.
The locker room is a facility that provides golfers with lockers, showers, towels, toiletries, and changing rooms. The locker room is clean and well-maintained and has separate sections for men and women.
The veranda is an open-air area that offers a panoramic view of the golf course and the backwaters. The veranda is an ideal place to enjoy the fresh air and the scenic beauty of Kochi. The veranda also has tables and chairs where golfers can have their meals or drinks.
The clubhouse of Cochin Golf Club is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days of the week. The clubhouse is managed by a friendly and professional staff who ensure that the guests have a pleasant and memorable stay at the club.
Conclusion
The Cochin Golf Club is more than just a golf course; it is a historic and scenic golf destination that offers a unique and memorable golf experience in Kerala. The club has a challenging and enjoyable nine-hole course that can be played as an 18-hole course with different tees. The club also has a cozy and elegant clubhouse that provides various facilities and services to the members and guests of the club. The club also offers stunning views of the Bolghatty Palace, the backwaters, and the city skyline.
If you are interested in visiting the Cochin Golf Club, you can contact Indian Golf Safari, your trusted partner for golf tours in India. Indian Golf Safari can arrange your accommodation, transportation, tee time booking, sightseeing, and other activities in Kochi. Indian Golf Safari can also customize your golf tour according to your preferences and budget.
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