Are you a golf enthusiast who loves to explore new and exciting places to play your favorite sport? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Coimbatore Golf Course, one of the best golf courses in India. Located in Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu, this golf course offers you a high-quality and rewarding game for golfers of all levels, as well as a glimpse into the passion and dedication of its founder and members.
History
The Coimbatore Golf Course has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to 1977. It was established by Mr. Rajagopal, who had a passion for the game of golf. In the 1970s, golf was an unheard of game in Coimbatore, except for a few hardcore enthusiasts who braved the roads and the weather to drive out long before dawn to Ooty to play golf. In time and with increased traffic congestion, a thought started emerging about the need for a dedicated golf course in Coimbatore. Mr. Rajagopal convinced his friends and family to support his dream, and leased land from the Coimbatore Jail to start a nine-hole course with browns and a driving range. He also hired Mr. Simran Singh, a coach who moved to Coimbatore and helped grow the number of people who started taking up the game.
Over many late night meetings, a plan of action was hatched to turn the dream of a golf course into the reality of a golf course. With limited financial resources, a sketchy knowledge of the principles of golf course construction, a small group of golfers, a locality that was very arid, and boundless enthusiasm, these were the foundations of the Coimbatore Golf Course. By trial and error, a golf course with 18 greens was created, which was a remarkable achievement at a time when Ooty Gymkhana Club was the only golf course in South India with greens.
The Coimbatore Golf Course has been maintained and improved over the years by an experienced team and a committee of experienced golfers. The course has hosted many tournaments and events, such as the Tamil Nadu Open, the South Zone Amateur Championship, the All India Senior Amateur Championship, and the All India Ladies Amateur Championship. The course has also attracted many famous golfers, such as Jeev Milkha Singh, Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Sharmila Nicollet, and Smriti Mehra.
Location
The Coimbatore Golf Course is situated at an altitude of 1,300 feet above sea level, making it one of the lowest golf courses in India. It is surrounded by coconut trees and farm lands, which offer a serene and green environment for the game. The golf course covers an area of 110 acres and is across the road from the clubhouse. The climate is moderate and sunny throughout the year, with an average temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.
The Coimbatore Golf Course is well connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities in India. It is about 20 km from the Coimbatore International Airport, 15 km from the Coimbatore Junction Railway Station2, and 10 km from the Coimbatore Central Bus Stand. Coimbatore is also known as the “Manchester of South India” because of its textile industry and engineering sector. It has many places to visit, such as temples, museums, parks, waterfalls, zoos, and malls.
The Coimbatore Golf Course is also located betweenthe Palakkad gap, which is a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats that connects Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Palakkad gap influences the weather and wind patterns of the region, and also affects the golf course. The golf course is exposed to the monsoonal winds that blow from the southwest and northeast directions, which can make the game more challenging and unpredictable. The golfers have to adjust their shots and strategies according to the wind direction and speed, which can vary from day to day and even hour to hour.
Golf Course Layout
The Coimbatore Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course that measures 6,540 yards from the white tees and 5,893 yards from the red tees. The course is known for its well-maintained fairways, greens, and bunkers, as well as its variety and difficulty. The course has six par 3s, eight par 4s, and four par 5s. The signature hole of the course is the par 4 9th hole, which is also known as the “Island Green”. It is a short but tricky hole that requires a precise tee shot over a lake to reach a small green that is surrounded by water on three sides. The second shot is a nerve-wracking one that can make or break your score.
The longest hole of the course is the par 5 14th hole, which measures 560 yards from the white tees and 510 yards from the red tees. It is a straight hole that requires three long and accurate shots to avoid trees, water, and out of bounds on both sides of the fairway. The green is large and sloping, but it has a bunker in front that can catch any short or mishit shots.
The slope rating of the course is 128 from the white tees and 122 from the red tees, indicating a moderate level of difficulty for bogey golfers. The course record is 64, which was set by Anirban Lahiri in 2010. Anirban Lahiri is one of the most successful Indian golfers who has won multiple titles on the Asian Tour and the European Tour. He is also the first Indian golfer to play in all four majors in one year.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse of the Coimbatore Golf Course is a modern and spacious building that was inaugurated in 2008. It has a contemporary architecture and a lively atmosphere. The clubhouse offers various facilities and amenities for its members and guests, such as a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a library, a gym, a spa, a swimming pool, a pro shop, a locker room, and guest rooms. The restaurant serves delicious Indian and continental cuisine, as well as local specialties such as Coimbatore biryani and Coimbatore halwa. The bar offers a wide range of drinks, including beer, wine, whiskey, and cocktails. The lounge is a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view of the golf course and the hills. The library has a collection of books and magazines on golf and other topics. The gym has state-of-the-art equipment and trainers for fitness enthusiasts. The clubhouse also organizes various events and activities throughout the year, such as tournaments, festivals, parties
The Coimbatore Golf Course is more than just a golf course. It is a passionate and dedicated destination that reflects the love and enthusiasm of its founder and members for the game of golf. It is also a challenging and enjoyable destination for golf lovers who want to test their skills and enjoy the beauty of nature. If you are planning to visit Coimbatore, you should not miss the opportunity to play at the Coimbatore Golf Course. It will surely be a wonderful experience for you.
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