The Tata Coffee Golf Club in Pollibetta, Coorg is a private golf club that is part of the Tata Plantation Trails, a collection of heritage bungalows and cottages that offer a glimpse into the life of a coffee planter. The golf club is set amidst lush green coffee estates, rolling hills, and scenic views of the Western Ghats. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf courses in India, and has hosted many national and international tournaments.
History of the Tata Coffee Golf Club
The Tata Coffee Golf Club was established in 1980 by Tata Coffee Limited, one of the largest coffee producers in the world. The club was initially meant for the recreation of the company’s employees and guests, but later opened its doors to other golf enthusiasts as well. The club has a rich history of golfing excellence, and has produced many champions and legends of the game. Some of the notable names associated with the club are Jeev Milkha Singh, Anirban Lahiri, Sharmila Nicollet, Aditi Ashok, and Viraj Madappa.
The club has also hosted many prestigious events, such as the Indian Open, the Indian Amateur Championship, the All India Ladies Amateur Championship, and the South Zone Junior Championship. The club has also been a venue for corporate tournaments, charity events, and celebrity matches.
Location and Accessibility of the Tata Coffee Golf Club
The Tata Coffee Golf Club is located in Pollibetta, a small town in Kodagu district of Karnataka. The club is about 250 km from Bangalore, 120 km from Mysore, and 90 km from Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport in Kerala, which is about 80 km away. The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction, which is about 90 km away.
The club can be reached by road from Bangalore via Mysore and Hunsur, or from Mangalore via Madikeri and Siddapur. The club offers pick-up and drop-off services from the airport and railway station for its guests. Alternatively, one can hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach the club.
Layout and Features of the Tata Coffee Golf Club
The Tata Coffee Golf Club boasts of a 9-hole golf course that is designed by Australian firm Pacific Coast Design. The course is spread over an area of 2841 yards, with a par of 35. The course has a slope rating of 113 and a course rating of 33.7. The course is challenging yet enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The course has five artificial lakes that add to its beauty and difficulty. The course also has well-maintained fairways, greens, bunkers, and tee boxes.
The signature hole of the course is the 9th hole, which is a par-4 that measures 375 yards. This hole requires a precise tee shot over water to land on a narrow fairway that slopes towards the lake. The second shot is also tricky, as it has to avoid bunkers on both sides of the green. The green itself is undulating and fast, making putting a challenge.
The longest hole of the course is the 6th hole, which is a par-5 that measures 510 yards. This hole is a dogleg left that requires a long and accurate drive to reach the corner of the fairway. The second shot has to clear a water hazard that runs along the left side of the fairway. The third shot has to land on an elevated green that is guarded by bunkers on both sides.
One interesting story about the golf course is that it was once visited by former US President Bill Clinton in 2000. He played a round of golf with Jeev Milkha Singh and other dignitaries at the club. He was impressed by the course and its surroundings, and praised it as one of the best he had ever played.
Weather and Best Time to Visit the Tata Coffee Golf Club
The weather at Pollibetta is pleasant throughout the year, with moderate temperatures and rainfall. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, while the average rainfall is about 2500 mm per year. The best time to visit the Tata Coffee Golf Club is from October to March, when the weather is dry and cool, and the coffee plants are in full bloom.
Clubhouse and Facilities at the Tata Coffee Golf Club
The clubhouse at the Tata Coffee Golf Club is a colonial-style building that offers a range of facilities for its members and guests. The clubhouse has a restaurant that serves delicious Coorgi cuisine, as well as continental and Indian dishes. The clubhouse also has a bar that offers a variety of drinks and snacks. The clubhouse also has a pro shop that sells golf equipment and accessories, as well as souvenirs and gifts. The clubhouse also has a locker room, a changing room, and a shower room for the convenience of the golfers.
The club also offers other facilities, such as a putting green, a driving range, a caddie service, a golf cart rental, and a golf club rental. The club also organizes golf lessons, clinics, camps, and tournaments for its members and guests. The club also arranges sightseeing tours, plantation visits, nature walks, birdwatching, fishing, cycling, and other activities for its guests.
Tata Plantation Trails: A Unique Stay Experience
The Tata Coffee Golf Club is part of the Tata Plantation Trails, which is a collection of heritage bungalows and cottages that offer a unique stay experience in the midst of coffee estates. The bungalows and cottages are tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities, such as air-conditioning, television, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker, mini fridge, and attached bathroom. The bungalows and cottages also have spacious verandas and lawns that offer panoramic views of the plantations and the hills.
The Tata Plantation Trails also offer various services and facilities for its guests, such as 24-hour room service, laundry service, doctor on call, car parking, and security. The guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the bungalows and cottages. The guests can also avail of the bean-to-cup tour, which is a guided tour of the coffee plantations and the processing units. The guests can also enjoy bonfires, barbecues, cultural programs, and indoor games at the bungalows and cottages.
Indian Golf Safari: A Trusted Travel Partner
If you are planning to visit the Tata Coffee Golf Club and the Tata Plantation Trails, you should book your trip with Indian Golf Safari, a trusted travel partner that specializes in golf tours in India. Indian Golf Safari offers customized packages that include accommodation, transportation, golfing fees, sightseeing tours, and other activities. Indian Golf Safari has a team of experienced and professional staff that will take care of all your travel needs and ensure that you have a hassle-free and memorable trip.
Indian Golf Safari has been in the business for over 10 years, and has served thousands of satisfied customers from India and abroad. Indian Golf Safari has tie-ups with the best golf courses and hotels in India, and offers competitive rates and attractive deals. Indian Golf Safari also has a website that provides detailed information about the golf courses, hotels, destinations, packages, testimonials, and contact details.
Conclusion
The Tata Coffee Golf Club in Pollibetta is a hidden gem in the hills of Coorg that offers a unique and memorable golfing experience in India. The club has a 9-hole golf course that is challenging yet enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. The club also has a clubhouse that offers a range of facilities for its members and guests. The club is part of the Tata Plantation Trails, which is a collection of heritage bungalows and cottages that offer a unique stay experience in the midst of coffee estates. The club can be easily reached by road from Bangalore or Mangalore. The best time to visit the club is from October to March.
If you are interested in visiting the Tata Coffee Golf Club and the Tata Plantation Trails, you should book your trip with Indian Golf Safari, a trusted travel partner that specializes in golf tours in India. Indian Golf Safari offers customized packages that include accommodation, transportation, golfing fees, sightseeing tours, and other activities. Indian Golf Safari has a team of experienced and professional staff that will take care of all your travel needs and ensure that you have a hassle-free and memorable trip.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to the Tata Coffee Golf Club for an unforgettable golfing adventure!
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