if you are looking for a unique and memorable golfing experience in India, you might want to consider visiting the Jorhat golf course in Assam. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in the country, with a rich history and a stunning location. In this blog, I will tell you more about the Jorhat golf course, its layout, signature hole and longest hole, slope and difficulty, the local weather, best time to visit, and its club house. By the end of this blog, I hope you will be inspired to plan your next golf trip to this amazing destination.
History of the Jorhat Golf Course
The Jorhat golf course was established in 1888 by D. Slimmons, a British tea planter who wanted to create a recreational facility for the European community in Assam. The golf course was part of the Jorhat Gymkhana Club, which also had facilities for horse racing, lawn tennis, swimming, billiards, polo, cricket, and other sports. The club was inaugurated by Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, in 1900.
The Jorhat golf course has been witness to countless tournaments ever since it was established. It has hosted the Governor’s Cup every year since 1905, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf tournaments in India..
The Jorhat golf course is not only a historic landmark, but also a cultural heritage of Assam. It reflects the colonial legacy of the region, as well as the local traditions and customs. The golf course is surrounded by lush green tea gardens on three sides, while the fourth side offers mesmerizing views of the mountain ranges in Arunachal Pradesh. The golf course is also adjacent to the Dehing Forest Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife and natural resources.
Layout of the Jorhat Golf Course
The Jorhat golf course is a 9-hole course that can be played as an 18-hole course by using different tees for each hole. The course has a par of 72 and a length of 6674 yards from the white tees. The course has a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 35.0 from the white tees, which indicates that it is moderately difficult for an average golfer.
The layout of the Jorhat golf course is designed to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels. The course has a variety of holes that require different shots and strategies. Some holes are long and straight, while others are short and doglegged. Some holes have water hazards or bunkers, while others have trees or out-of-bounds areas. The fairways are narrow and undulating, while the greens are fast and smooth.
The signature hole of the Jorhat golf course is the par-5 9th hole, which is also the longest hole on the course at 498 yards from the white tees. This hole is a slight dogleg to the right that requires three accurate shots to reach the green. The tee shot must avoid the water hazard on the left and the trees on the right. The second shot must clear another water hazard that crosses the fairway at about 200 yards from the green. The third shot must land on a small and elevated green that is guarded by bunkers on both sides.
Interesting Story about the Jorhat Gymkhana Course
One of the most interesting stories about the Jorhat Gymkhana course is related to the polo matches that were held on the course. Polo is a sport that involves riding horses and hitting a ball with a mallet. Polo was introduced in India by the British, and was popular among the tea planters and the army officers. The Jorhat Gymkhana course was also used as a polo ground, and hosted many polo tournaments and events. The polo matches were a grand affair, and attracted many spectators and dignitaries. The polo matches were also a source of entertainment and excitement, as they involved speed, skill, and strategy. The polo matches were discontinued after the independence of India, but the golf course still has some relics of the polo era, such as the polo posts and the trophies.
Interesting Story about the Jorhat Gymkhana Course
One of the most interesting stories about the Jorhat Gymkhana course is related to the polo matches that were held on the course. Polo is a sport that involves riding horses and hitting a ball with a mallet. Polo was introduced in India by the British, and was popular among the tea planters and the army officers. The Jorhat Gymkhana course was also used as a polo ground, and hosted many polo tournaments and events. The polo matches were a grand affair, and attracted many spectators and dignitaries. The polo matches were also a source of entertainment and excitement, as they involved speed, skill, and strategy. The polo matches were discontinued after the independence of India, but the golf course still has some relics of the polo era, such as the polo posts and the trophies.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit
The Jorhat golf course is located in a subtropical climate zone that has four seasons: winter (November to February), pre-monsoon (March to May), monsoon (June to September), and post-monsoon (October). The average temperature ranges from 10°C to 37°C throughout the year. The average rainfall is about 2020 mm per year, with most of it occurring during the monsoon season.
The best time to visit the Jorhat golf course is during the winter season (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and dry. This is also the peak season for tourism in Assam, as many festivals and events take place during this time. Some of the major attractions in Assam that you can explore during your visit are:
- Kaziranga National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its one-horned rhinoceroses and other wildlife species.
- Majuli Island: This is the largest river island in the world that is known for its cultural and natural diversity.
- Sivasagar: This is a historical city that was the capital of the Ahom kingdom, which ruled Assam for six centuries.
- Tea Gardens: Assam is one of the largest tea producing regions in the world, and you can visit some of the tea estates and factories to learn more about the tea culture and industry.
Club House and Facilities
The Jorhat golf course is part of the Jorhat Gymkhana Club, which offers a range of facilities and amenities for its members and guests. The club house has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a banquet hall, a conference room, and a library. The club also has a swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, a tennis court, a billiards room, and a children’s play area. The club also provides accommodation options for its guests, such as cottages, suites, and dormitories.
The Jorhat golf course also has a pro shop, a driving range, a putting green, and a pitching area for golfers to practice and improve their game. The golf course also has caddies, golf carts, golf clubs, and other equipment available for rent. The golf course also organizes golf lessons, clinics, tournaments, and events for its members and guests.
How to Reach the Jorhat Gymkhana Course
The Jorhat Gymkhana course is located in the Jorhat city of Assam, about 18 km from the Jorhat airport. The nearest railway station is the Jorhat town railway station, which is about 3 km from the golf course. The golf course can be reached by road, by taking the NH 37 and the NH 715. 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 Guwahati or Dibrugarh.
Why You Should Visit the Jorhat Gymkhana Course
The Jorhat Gymkhana course is a historic and heritage golfing destination in Assam, that offers a unique and memorable golfing experience. The golf course is a blend of nature, history, and culture, that will captivate and delight you. The golf course is a perfect destination for golfers, nature lovers, and history buffs, who want to discover the beauty and legacy of Assam. The golf course is also a great place to unwind and rejuvenate, away from the noise and stress 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 Jorhat Gymkhana 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.
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