Are you looking for a golfing destination that offers a blend of history, culture, and challenge? Then you might want to consider the Patna Golf Club in Bihar. This golf course is located in the capital city of Patna, which is one of the oldest and most important cities in India. The golf course is part of a private club that was established in 1916 by the British. The club has hosted many national and international tournaments and events, and has produced some of the finest golfers in the country.
History of the Golf Course
The Patna Golf Club was established on 21 March 1916 by the British, who leased the land from the government of Bihar and Orissa. The club was formed by some British officers, who later became prominent figures in India. The club was initially named as the South Bihar Gymkhana Club, and was meant for the recreation and entertainment of the British officers and their families. The club had various facilities, such as tennis courts, billiards tables, swimming pools, and a golf course.
The golf course was designed by an avid golfer and a member of the club. The golf course was laid out on a flat terrain, with few trees and water hazards. The golf course had nine holes, with a par of 36. The golf course was inaugurated by the then Viceroy of India, on 15 April 1916.
The Patna Golf Club has witnessed many historical events and personalities over the years. The club was visited by Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, and other freedom fighters during the independence movement. The club was also the venue for the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India in 1946. The club has also hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Lord Mountbatten, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, and Sachin Tendulkar.
The Patna Golf Club has also played a significant role in the development of golf in India. The club has organized many national and international tournaments and events, such as the Achiever’s Cup, Basant Utsav, Captain’s Day, Heat & Dust Golf Tournament, Kalyan Cup, Knockout Cup, Sawan Cup, and the Annual Patna Open Golf Tournament. The club has also produced some of the best golfers in India, such as Ali Sher Khan, Ashok Kumar Singh, Shamim Khan, Rashid Khan, Mukesh Kumar Singh, and Udayan Mane.
Location and Accessibility
The Patna Golf Club is situated in the heart of Patna city, on Bailey Road. The club is easily accessible by road from various parts of the city. The nearest airport is about 5 km away from the club. The nearest railway station is about 3 km away from the club. The club is open to both members and guests, but prior booking is required for visitors. The club also offers accommodation facilities for guests who wish to stay overnight or longer.
Layout of the Golf Course
The Patna Golf Club has a total area of 110 acres, with a total length of 6,768 yards. The golf course has 18 holes, with a par of 70. The golf course is designed to suit all levels of golfers, from beginners to professionals. The golf course has a variety of features, such as water hazards, sand bunkers, doglegs, slopes, and greens. The golf course also has a driving range, a putting green, and a chipping area for practice. The golf course is surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views of the city and its landmarks.
Slope and Difficulty
The slope rating of the golf course is N/A, which indicates that it is not rated by any official authority. The difficulty level of the golf course depends on factors such as wind speed, weather conditions, tee positions, and pin placements. The golf course challenges the golfers to use their skills and strategies to overcome the obstacles and score well.
Signature Hole
The signature hole of the golf course is the 9th hole, which is a par-4 hole with a length of 389 yards. This hole is also known as the “Viceroy’s Hole”, because it was inaugurated by the then Viceroy of India, in 1916. The hole requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard and the trees on the left, and a well-placed approach shot to land on the green. The green is guarded by two sand bunkers on either side and has a slight slope from left to right. The hole offers a spectacular view of the club house and the Patna High Court in the distance.
Longest Hole
The longest hole of the golf course is the 6th hole, which is a par-5 hole with a length of 590 yards. This hole is also known as the “Snake Hole”, because it has a sharp dogleg to the right that resembles the shape of a snake. The hole requires a long and accurate tee shot to reach the fairway, followed by a second shot that avoids the trees and bushes on both sides of the dogleg. The third shot needs to be carefully aimed at the green, which is elevated and sloped from back to front. The green is protected by two sand bunkers on either side and has a tricky pin position.
Interesting Story about the Golf Course
One of the most interesting stories about the golf course is related to its renovation in 2008. According to one of its secretaries, who was in charge of the project, the club decided to upgrade and modernize the golf course with the help of an Australian company. The company sent its chief architect, who was an expert in golf course design, to survey and redesign the golf course. However, he faced a lot of difficulties and challenges while working on the project. He had to deal with issues such as land acquisition, water supply, soil quality, labor shortage, security threats, and bureaucratic hurdles. He also had to cope with the extreme weather conditions, such as heat, dust, rain, and fog. He even contracted malaria and typhoid during his stay in Patna.
Despite all these hardships, he managed to complete the project in 18 months, transforming the golf course into a world-class facility. He redesigned and reshaped all the holes, adding new features such as water bodies, bunkers, mounds, and greens. He also improved the drainage system, irrigation system, turf quality, and landscaping of the golf course. He also introduced new tees, such as blue tees and red tees, to cater to different levels of golfers. He also created a new logo for the club, incorporating elements of Bihar’s culture and heritage.
His work was highly appreciated and praised by the club members and guests, who were amazed by the transformation of the golf course. He also developed a strong bond with the club staff and local people, who helped him in his work. He also learned some Hindi words and phrases, such as “Namaste”, “Shukriya”, “Aapka Swagat Hai”, and “Bihar Mein Bahut Maza Aaya”. He also became fond of Indian food, especially litti-chokha, a traditional dish of Bihar.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Patna Golf Club is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and conducive for golfing. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C during this period, with clear skies and moderate winds. The golf course is open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week, except Mondays, when it is closed for maintenance. The green fee for visitors is Rs. 500 per person per day, which includes the use of golf equipment and caddy services. The golf course also hosts various tournaments and events throughout the year, such as the Achiever’s Cup, Basant Utsav, Captain’s Day, Heat & Dust Golf Tournament, Kalyan Cup, Knockout Cup, Sawan Cup, and the Annual Patna Open Golf Tournament.
Clubhouse
The Patna Golf Club has a clubhouse that offers various facilities and amenities for the golfers and guests. The clubhouse has a reception area, a lounge, a dining hall, a bar, a conference room, and a pro shop. The clubhouse also has 12 guest rooms that are well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, television, refrigerator, and attached bathroom. The clubhouse serves delicious food and beverages, ranging from Indian to continental cuisines. The clubhouse also organizes cultural programs and entertainment activities for the guests, such as musical nights, dance performances, and bonfires.
Indian Golf Safari
If you are interested in exploring more golf courses in India, you might want to check out Indian Golf Safari, a travel company that specializes in golf tours and packages across the country. Indian Golf Safari offers customized and tailor-made golf trips that suit your preferences and budget. You can choose from a variety of destinations, such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore, Coorg, Ooty, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Shillong, Assam, Kerala, Andaman Islands, Ladakh, Kashmir
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