If you are looking for a world-class golfing experience in Bangalore, you might want to check out the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) golf course. This is one of India’s finest golf courses, located at the heart of the city, near the airport. The KGA golf course has a rich history, a challenging layout, and a modern clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services for golfers and guests. In this blog, we will explore some of the features and highlights of this golfing gem.
History of KGA Golf Course
The KGA golf course was established in 1973, when a group of avid golfers from Karnataka embarked on a mission to identify Bangalore as the golfing capital of South India. They searched for a suitable site for an international standard golf course, and in May 1980, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri. R Gundu Rao, personally handed over 125 acres of land in Challaghatta to the Karnataka Golf Association.
The KGA golf course was designed by the renowned Australian golfer and architect Peter Thomson, who has also designed courses in Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and Malaysia. The course was inaugurated in 1989 by Shri. Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India. Since then, the KGA golf course has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the Indian Open in 2012, which was the first time the event was held outside New Delhi or Kolkata.
Location of KGA Golf Course
The KGA golf course is conveniently located at Kodihalli, off Airport Road, in Bangalore. It is about 10 kilometers east of the city center and about 40 kilometers from the Kempegowda International Airport. The course is easily accessible by road and public transport. The nearest metro station is Indiranagar, which is about 4 kilometers away.
The KGA golf course is surrounded by greenery and offers a serene and scenic environment for golfers. The course also has a view of the HAL airport runway, which adds to its charm and uniqueness. The course is open from 6 am to 6 pm on all days except Mondays.
Layout of KGA Golf Course
The KGA golf course is a par-72 course that measures 7219 yards from the championship tees. It has a slope rating of 137, which indicates its difficulty level. The course has four sets of tees to suit different levels of players: black (7219 yards), blue (6896 yards), white (6552 yards), and red (5875 yards).
The course has 18 holes that are designed to test the skills and strategy of golfers. The fairways are made of hybrid Bermuda tiffway grass, while the greens are made of Bermuda tiff dwarf grass. The greens are usually fast and have a general westerly grain, except where the ponds lie near. The course also has several water hazards, bunkers, trees, and slopes that add to its challenge and beauty.
Some of the notable holes on the KGA golf course are:
- Hole 4: This is a par-5 hole that measures 580 yards from the black tees. It is the longest hole on the course and requires three accurate shots to reach the green. The tee shot has to avoid a water hazard on the left and trees on the right. The second shot has to clear another water hazard that crosses the fairway. The third shot has to land on a narrow green that is guarded by bunkers on both sides.
- Hole 9: This is a par-4 hole that measures 440 yards from the black tees. It is one of the most difficult holes on the course and requires a long and straight tee shot to reach the fairway. The approach shot has to avoid a water hazard on the left and bunkers on the right. The green is elevated and slopes from back to front.
- Hole 14: This is a par-3 hole that measures 190 yards from the black tees. It is considered as the signature hole of the KGA golf course and offers a stunning view of the HAL airport runway. The tee shot has to carry over a large pond that covers most of the front part of the green. The green is also surrounded by bunkers and slopes from left to right.
Clubhouse of KGA Golf Course
The KGA golf course has a modern and spacious clubhouse that caters to the needs and preferences of golfers and guests. The clubhouse has several facilities and services, such as:
- A pro shop that sells golf equipment, accessories, apparel, and souvenirs.
- A locker room that provides storage and changing facilities for golfers.
- A restaurant and bar that serves a variety of cuisines and beverages1.
- A banquet hall that can accommodate up to 500 people for events and functions.
- A conference room that can seat up to 50 people for meetings and seminars.
- A gymnasium that offers fitness and wellness programs for golfers and members.
- A swimming pool that is open for members and guests.
- A spa and salon that offers relaxation and beauty treatments for golfers and guests1.
The clubhouse also has a friendly and professional staff that provides excellent service and hospitality to golfers and guests. The clubhouse is open from 6 am to 10 pm on all days except Mondays.
Conclusion
The KGA golf course is a golfing oasis in Bangalore that offers a world-class golfing experience to golfers of all levels. The course has a rich history, a challenging layout, and a modern clubhouse that offers a range of facilities and services. The course is also conveniently located and easily accessible. If you are looking for a place to enjoy golf in Bangalore, you should definitely visit the KGA golf course
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