If you are looking for a place to enjoy golf and other leisure activities in Kolkata, you might want to check out the Tollygunge Golf Club. This club is not only one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in India, but also one of the top 20 clubs in the world. In this blog post, I will tell you more about the history, layout, features, and facilities of this club, and why you should visit it.
History of the Tollygunge Golf Club
The Tollygunge Golf Club was founded in 1895 as a meeting ground for British merchants and bankers, who sought refuge from the heat and chaos of the city1. The club was originally an equestrian institution devoted to riding and all kinds of equestrian sports1. The club house, which is over 220 years old, was built by Sir William Cruikshank, a British judge and collector of Kolkata.
The club started to offer golf facilities in 1907, when a nine-hole course was laid out by the then secretary, Mr. H. V. Lowis. The course was later expanded to 18 holes in 1926 by Mr. C. K. Robinson, a renowned golf architect. The course has undergone several modifications and improvements over the years, and is now considered one of the best courses in India.
The club has also hosted many prestigious tournaments and events, such as the All India Amateur Golf Championship, the Indian Open, the Eastern India Ladies Amateur Golf Championship, and the Tata Steel Professional Golf Tour of India2. The club has also produced many eminent golfers, such as Jamshed Mehta, Indrajit Bhalotia, Rahil Gangjee, and Shubhankar Sharma.
Layout of the Tollygunge Golf Club
The Tollygunge Golf Club is spread over a hundred acres of land, with a variety of flora and fauna. The course is designed to suit different skill levels and provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for every golfer. The course is par 70, with a total length of 6,314 yards from the championship tees. The course has four par 3s, ten par 4s, and four par 5s.
The course is rich in natural beauty and features several water hazards, bunkers, trees, and slopes. The fairways are narrow and undulating, requiring accuracy and strategy. The greens are fast and well-maintained, requiring good putting skills. The course also has a floodlit driving range and an illuminated putting and chipping green for practice.
Some of the notable holes on the course are:
- Hole 1: A par 4 of 377 yards that doglegs to the right. The tee shot has to avoid a water hazard on the right and trees on the left. The approach shot has to clear another water hazard that guards the front of the green.
- Hole 4: A par 3 of 203 yards that is considered the signature hole of the course. The tee shot has to carry over a large lake that covers almost the entire length of the hole. The green is surrounded by bunkers and slopes.
- Hole 9: A par 5 of 547 yards that is the longest hole on the course. The tee shot has to avoid a bunker on the left and trees on the right. The second shot has to cross a stream that runs across the fairway. The third shot has to reach a green that is elevated and protected by bunkers.
- Hole 18: A par 4 of 405 yards that is a tough finishing hole. The tee shot has to avoid a water hazard on the left and out of bounds on the right. The approach shot has to land on a green that slopes from back to front and is guarded by bunkers.
The course rating is 71.0 and the slope rating is 125 from the championship tees. These ratings indicate that the course is moderately difficult for an average golfer.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The weather in Kolkata is generally hot and humid throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 27°C4. The city experiences four seasons: winter (December to February), summer (March to May), monsoon (June to September), and post-monsoon (October to November)4.
The best time to visit Kolkata and play golf at the Tollygunge Golf Club is during the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and dry4. The average temperature during this season is around 20°C, with clear skies and cool breezes4. The club also organizes various events and tournaments during this season, such as the Christmas Cup, the New Year Cup, and the Tollygunge Masters.
Club House and Facilities
The club house of the Tollygunge Golf Club is a heritage building that offers a range of amenities and services for its members and guests. The club house has 67 air-conditioned suites and residential rooms, each with an attached bath1. The club house also has a restaurant, a bar, a pastry hut, a pro shop, a library, a salon, and a herbal ayurvedic center.
The club also offers facilities for other sports and recreational activities, such as tennis, squash, swimming, riding, gym, bridge, and billiards1. The club also has a conference and banqueting hall that can accommodate up to 600 people. The club also has ample parking space and security.
Conclusion
The Tollygunge Golf Club is a country club that combines history, culture, nature, and sport in a unique way. It is a place where you can enjoy golf and other activities in a serene and elegant environment. It is a place where you can meet new people and make lasting friendships. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself.
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