If you are looking for a challenging and affordable golf destination, you should definitely visit the Pune Golf club. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in India, located in the heart of Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The golf club is spread over 96 acres of manicured pedigree ground, with the Mula river and the Aga Khan palace as its backdrop. The golf club is open all year round, except for a few days in monsoon when it gets flooded.
History
The Pune Golf club has a long and glorious history. It was established in 1920 by Sir Neville Chamberlain, a British army officer who was also an avid golfer. He laid out a 6-hole course on the grounds of the Poona Club, which was founded in 1886 as a social and sports club for the British elite. The course was later expanded to 9 holes by Sir Francis Younghusband, another British officer who led the British expedition to Tibet in 1904. The course was further expanded to 18 holes by Peter Thomson, a renowned Australian golfer and architect, in 1970. The course was frequented by many dignitaries and celebrities, including Lord Mountbatten, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Jeev Milkha Singh, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shubhankar Sharma, Rashid Khan, Udayan Mane, Aman Raj, Karandeep Kochhar, and many others.
The Pune Golf club has witnessed many historic events and changes over the years. It was the venue for the first All India Amateur Golf Championship in 1925, which was won by Major Hadow of the Royal Artillery. It was also the venue for the first Nedou’s Cup in 1929, which is still played every year as the oldest golf tournament in India. The course was damaged by floods in 1961 and 2014, but was restored and renovated with the help of the government and the golfers. The course was also affected by the political turmoil and violence in Pune, but remained a symbol of peace and harmony among the people.
Golf Course Layout
The Pune Golf club features 18 holes with a total length of 6,543 yards (5,983 m), making it one of the shortest golf courses in India. The course has a par of 70 and a slope rating of 124. The fairways are narrow and undulating, with many trees and water hazards. The greens are small and fast, with tricky slopes and breaks. The course offers panoramic views of the Mula river and the Aga Khan palace.
Slope and Difficulty
The Pune Golf club is very difficult, but it is also very rewarding. It is a challenging course that requires accuracy, skill and strategy. The low altitude makes the ball fly shorter but also increases the air resistance for the players. The weather can be hot and humid, affecting the playing conditions. The course demands careful shot selection, as well as physical endurance and mental toughness.
Signature Hole and Longest Hole
The signature hole of the Pune Golf club is the 7th hole, a 405-yard par 4. It is also the longest hole on the course . The hole starts with a downhill tee shot that needs to avoid a stream on the left and trees on the right. The second shot is uphill towards a small green that has bunkers on both sides and a water hazard behind it.
The signature hole of the Pune Golf club is also one of its most scenic ones. It offers a stunning view of the Aga Khan palace and its gardens.
Interesting Story
One of the most interesting stories about the Pune Golf club is related to its crows. These are black birds that often steal or move the balls on the course. The crows are smart and cunning, as they learn from watching and playing with the players. They are mischievous and playful, and often challenge or tease the players.
One such crow is named Chintu, who has been living at the Pune Golf club since he was born. He is now 15 years old and has become famous for his antics. He likes to steal or move the balls on the course, especially on the signature hole. He also likes to mimic or mock the players’ voices or sounds. He is known as the “King of Crows” and is feared and loved by everyone at the golf club.
Local Weather and Best Time to Visit
The local weather of Pune is influenced by its location and altitude. It has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summer (March to May) is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C. Monsoon (June to September) is wet and humid, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Winter (October to February) is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C.
The best time to visit Pune Golf club depends on your preference and purpose. If you want to enjoy golfing in a cool and pleasant setting, you should visit between October and February. If you want to experience the monsoon and its effects on the course, you should visit between June and September. However, you should always check the weather forecast before planning your trip, as it can change quickly and unexpectedly.
Clubhouse
The Pune Golf club has a clubhouse that provides various facilities and services for the players and visitors. The clubhouse has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and accessories, a restaurant that serves delicious Indian and continental cuisine and beverages, a locker room that offers storage and changing facilities, and a lounge that offers relaxation and entertainment. The clubhouse also has a conference hall that can host meetings and events, and a banquet hall that can host parties and celebrations. The clubhouse is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm every day.
Conclusion
The Pune Golf club is a must-visit destination for golf lovers and history lovers alike. It is a place where you can enjoy the game of golf in a challenging and affordable setting, challenge yourself with a difficult course, learn from the crows, and have fun with the monsoon in summer. It is a place where you can create unforgettable memories and stories. It is a place where you can find history and culture in Pune.
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