Are you looking for a golf destination that is not only challenging and enjoyable, but also rich in history and nature? If so, you might want to check out the Digboi golf club in Assam, India. This golf club is one of the oldest and finest golf courses in the country, and it has a lot of stories and attractions to offer to its visitors. In this blog, I will give you a detailed overview of the Digboi golf club, including its history, layout, features, weather, and facilities.
The Fascinating History of Digboi Golf Club
The Digboi golf club was established in 1888 by the British oil company Assam Oil Company Ltd., which was the first company to explore and produce oil in Asia. The company set up its headquarters in the town of Digboi, which is now known as the “city of oil” because it has the oldest oil well and refinery in Asia. The company also built a 9-hole golf course for its employees and guests, which was later expanded to 18 holes in 1943 by the American engineers who were involved in the construction of the Stilwell Road during World War II. The Stilwell Road was a strategic road that connected India, China, and Myanmar, and it was used by the Allied forces to transport supplies and troops during the war. The Digboi golf club also served as a recreational facility for the British and Indian army officers who were stationed in the area during the war. The golf club witnessed many historical events and personalities, such as the Indian freedom struggle, the World War II, and the Assam agitation. The town of Digboi also has many cultural and historical attractions for tourists, such as the Oil Museum, which showcases the history and technology of oil exploration and production; the War Cemetery, which commemorates the soldiers who died during the war; the Centenary Eco Park, which preserves the biodiversity and ecology of the region; and the Dibru Saikhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna.
The Challenging and Scenic Layout of Digboi Golf Club
The Digboi golf club covers an area of 6396 yards and has a par of 72. The course is designed in a parkland style, with lush green fairways, well-maintained greens, and mature trees. The course is surrounded by the Dehing Forest Reserve on three sides, which gives it a stunning natural backdrop and a diverse wildlife. The course also offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels, as it has many water hazards, bunkers, doglegs, and elevation changes. One of the most distinctive features of the Digboi golf club is its signature hole, which is the 18th hole. This hole is a par-5 that measures 520 yards and requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard on the left and the out-of-bounds on the right. The second shot also needs to be accurate to avoid the bunker on the left and reach the fairway. The third shot is a downhill approach to a large green that slopes from back to front and is guarded by two bunkers on either side. This hole is considered one of the most difficult holes on the course, as it tests both distance and accuracy. The longest hole on the course is the 9th hole, which is a par-5 that measures 550 yards. This hole is a slight dogleg to the right that requires a long and straight tee shot to reach the fairway. The second shot is uphill and needs to avoid the trees on both sides. The third shot is a short iron to a small green that is surrounded by four bunkers. This hole is also one of the most challenging holes on the course, as it tests both length and strategy.
The Pleasant Weather and Best Time to Visit Digboi Golf Club
The weather in Digboi is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of 24°C. The town receives heavy rainfall from June to September due to the monsoon season, which makes the course wet and muddy. The best time to visit Digboi golf club is from October to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the course is in its best condition.
The dry season also coincides with some festivals and events that are celebrated in Digboi, such as:
• The Oil Festival: This festival is held in November every year to mark the anniversary of oil discovery in Digboi. The festival features cultural programs, exhibitions, competitions, sports events, and fireworks.
• The Tea Festival: This festival is held in December every year to promote tea tourism and culture in Assam. The festival features tea tasting, tea garden visits, cultural shows, and adventure activities.
• The Golf Tournament: This tournament is held in January every year to attract golfers from all over the country and abroad. The tournament is organized by the Digboi golf club and offers attractive prizes and trophies.
Layout and Features of the Digboi Golf Course
The Digboi golf course is a par 72 course, with a total length of 6309 yards. The course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, with its natural terrain, water hazards, sand bunkers, and narrow fairways. The course also has a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 71. The longest hole on the course is the par 5, hole no. 6, which measures 537 yards. The shortest hole on the course is the par 3, hole no. 16, which measures 127 yards. The signature hole on the course is the par 4, hole no. 11, which is also known as the “Oil Well Hole”. This hole is named after the remains of an oil well that can be seen near the green. The hole is a dogleg right, with a water hazard on the left and a bunker on the right. The green is elevated and guarded by two more bunkers. The hole requires accuracy and strategy to score well.
Interesting Story about the Digboi Golf Course
One of the most interesting stories about the Digboi golf course is related to the Japanese bombing during World War II. In 1942, the Japanese forces invaded Burma and threatened to attack India. The Digboi region was a strategic target for the Japanese, as it was the source of oil for the Allied forces. The British army set up a base in Digboi, and fortified the oil fields and the refinery. The Japanese planes tried to bomb the oil installations, but failed to hit them due to the camouflage and the anti-aircraft guns. However, they managed to hit the golf course, and caused some damage to the greens and the clubhouse. The golf course was repaired after the war, and resumed its operations. The golf course still has some remnants of the war, such as the bomb craters and the bullet holes in the walls.
Clubhouse and Facilities of the Digboi Golf Course
The clubhouse of the Digboi golf course is a colonial-style building that reflects the heritage and charm of the place. The clubhouse has a bar, a restaurant, a lounge, and a library. The clubhouse also hosts evening entertainment programs, such as music, dance, and cultural shows. The clubhouse also has a pro shop, where golfers can buy or rent golf equipment and accessories. The clubhouse also provides caddies, golf carts, and locker rooms for the golfers. The clubhouse also has a guest house, where golfers can stay overnight or for longer periods. The guest house has 12 rooms, with attached bathrooms, air conditioning, and television. The guest house also has a dining hall, a conference hall, and a garden. The guest house charges INR 1500 per night for a single room, and INR 2000 per night for a double room.
How to Reach the Digboi Golf Course
The Digboi golf course is located in the Tinsukia district of Assam, about 18 km from Margherita town. The nearest airport is the Dibrugarh airport, which is about 80 km from the golf course. The nearest railway station is the Tinsukia railway station, which is about 40 km from the golf course. The golf course can be reached by road, by taking the NH 37 and the NH 38. There are taxis, buses, and auto rickshaws available from the airport, the railway station, and the nearby towns. The golf course can also be reached by boat, by taking the Brahmaputra river cruise from Dibrugarh or Guwahati.
Why You Should Visit the Digboi Golf Course
The Digboi golf course is a hidden gem in the oil city of Assam, that offers a unique and scenic golfing experience. The golf course is a blend of nature, history, and culture, that will enchant and inspire you. The golf course is a perfect destination for golfers, nature lovers, and history buffs, who want to explore the beauty and diversity of Assam. The golf course is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The golf course is a part of the Indian Golf Safari, a travel company that specializes in golf tours and packages in India. The Indian Golf Safari offers customized and affordable golf trips to the Digboi golf course, and other golf courses in India. The Indian Golf Safari also provides other services, such as sightseeing, accommodation, transportation, and guidance. The Indian Golf Safari is your ultimate partner for a memorable and enjoyable golf vacation in India.
Conclusion
The Digboi golf club is a historic and scenic golf destination in Assam that offers a unique and memorable golf experience to its visitors. The course is well-maintained and challenging, with several water hazards, bunkers, doglegs, and elevation changes. The course is also surrounded by nature and wildlife, which adds to its beauty and charm. The club also has a clubhouse that provides various facilities and services to its members and guests. If you are looking for a place to enjoy golf in India, you should definitely visit the Digboi golf club
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