If you are looking for a world-class golfing experience in India, you might want to check out the Zion Hill Golf Club, a stunning golf resort located in Kolar, about 70 km from Bangalore. Zion Hill Golf Club is a villa community built around an award-winning golf course designed by the legendary architect Ronald Fream. It offers a challenging and exhilarating golf course, a state-of-the-art golf academy, a luxurious clubhouse, and a range of amenities and activities for golfers and non-golfers alike. In this blog post, we will explore the history, location, layout, features, and attractions of the Zion Hill Golf Club, and why you should consider booking a golf getaway with Indian Golf Safari, the leading golf tour operator in India.
History of Zion Hill Golf Club
Zion Hill Golf Club was conceived by Mr. Ramesh Subramaniam, a passionate golfer and entrepreneur, who wanted to create a world-class golf destination in India. He acquired a 136-acre land in Kolar, which was formerly a granite quarry, and transformed it into a golfing paradise. He hired Ronald Fream, one of the most renowned golf course architects in the world, to design the golf course. Fream has designed over 150 golf courses in 60 countries, including the famous Mission Hills Golf Club in China, the largest golf facility in the world. Fream’s design for Zion Hill Golf Club was inspired by the natural features of the land, such as the granite shelves, boulders, and lakes. He also incorporated the local culture and heritage, such as the use of red laterite soil, the planting of native trees and flowers, and the naming of the holes after historical and mythological figures. The construction of the golf course began in 2010 and was completed in 2014. The golf course was inaugurated by Mr. Anirban Lahiri, India’s top-ranked golfer and a member of the PGA Tour. Since then, Zion Hill Golf Club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, such as the Louis Philippe Cup, the TAKE Solutions Masters, and the Karnataka Golf Festival. It has also won several awards and accolades, such as the First Runner Up Award for the Best Course in India in 2012, and the Best Maintained Golf Course in India in 2017.
Location of Zion Hill Golf Club
Zion Hill Golf Club is located in Kolar, a district in Karnataka, about 70 km from Bangalore, the capital city of the state. Kolar is known for its historical and cultural significance, as it was once the seat of the Ganga, Chola, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara dynasties. It is also famous for its gold mines, which are among the deepest in the world, and its temples, such as the Someshwara Temple, the Kolaramma Temple, and the Kotilingeshwara Temple. Zion Hill Golf Club is situated in a serene and scenic setting, surrounded by the Sahyadri hills, which offer a panoramic view of the golf course and the countryside. The golf club is easily accessible by road, as it is connected to the National Highway 75, which links Bangalore and Chennai. It is also close to the Bangalore International Airport, which is about 76 km away. The golf club offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport for its guests.
Layout of Zion Hill Golf Club
Zion Hill Golf Club boasts of a challenging, championship-level 18-hole golf course, which measures 7,500 yards from the back tees, and has a par of 72. The golf course is designed to test the skills and strategy of golfers of all levels, as it features a variety of hazards, such as water, sand, rocks, and elevation changes. The golf course also offers a stunning visual appeal, as it blends with the natural landscape, and showcases the flora and fauna of the region. The golf course has four sets of tees, namely, black, blue, white, and red, to cater to different handicaps and preferences. The golf course also has a state-of-the-art irrigation system, which ensures optimal playing conditions throughout the year. The golf course is maintained by a dedicated team of professionals, who ensure that the greens, fairways, and bunkers are in immaculate shape. The golf course also has a practice facility, which includes a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, and a bunker area. The golf course is affiliated to the Indian Golf Union, and follows the rules and regulations of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
Features of Zion Hill Golf Club
Zion Hill Golf Club offers a range of features and facilities to enhance the golfing experience of its guests. Some of the features are:
- Signature Hole: The signature hole of the golf course is the 4th hole, a par-4 that measures 400 yards from the back tees. It is also known as the “Granite Hill” hole, as it features a massive granite outcrop that dominates the view from the tee box. The hole requires a precise drive to avoid the out-of-bounds on the right and the bunker on the left, and a downhill approach to the largest green on the course, which is guarded by bunkers and a water hazard. The hole offers a spectacular view of the golf course and the hills, and is one of the most memorable holes on the course.
- Longest Hole: The longest hole on the golf course is the 2nd hole, a par-5 that measures 553 yards from the back tees. It is also known as the “Champion Reef” hole, as it is named after the nearby gold mine. The hole is a reachable par-5 for the long hitters, but it requires accuracy and strategy, as it features a bunker on the left and a water hazard on the right of the fairway, and a multi-tiered green that is surrounded by bunkers. The hole also has a flag on the top level, which makes it more challenging.
- Interesting Story: One of the most interesting stories about the golf course is the story of the 17th hole, a par-3 that measures 258 yards from the back tees. It is also known as the “Viraj’s Hole”, as it is dedicated to Viraj Madappa, India’s youngest winner on the Asian Tour, and a product of the Zion Hill Golf Academy. The hole was originally designed as a par-4, but it was converted into a par-3 after Madappa made a hole-in-one on it during the TAKE Solutions Masters in 2018, which he went on to win. The hole is one of the most difficult holes on the course, as it features a water hazard that runs along the entire length of the hole, and a narrow green that slopes from left to right.
- Local Weather and Best Time to Visit: The local weather at Zion Hill Golf Club is pleasant and conducive for golf throughout the year, as it enjoys a moderate climate, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The golf club is open from 6 am to 6 pm, seven days a week, except on Tuesdays, which are reserved for maintenance. The best time to visit the golf club is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry, and the golf course is in its best condition.
Attractions of Zion Hill Golf Club
Zion Hill Golf Club is not just a golf destination, but also a lifestyle destination, as it offers a range of attractions and activities for its guests, both on and off the course. Some of the attractions are:
- Clubhouse: The clubhouse at Zion Hill Golf Club is a magnificent structure that overlooks the golf course and the hills. It is designed by Arun Nalapat, a renowned architect, who has blended the traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique and elegant space. The clubhouse offers a variety of amenities and services, such as a pro shop, a locker room, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a banquet hall, a conference room, and a spa. The clubhouse is also the venue for various events and functions, such as weddings, parties, corporate meetings, and social gatherings.
- Villas: The villas at Zion Hill Golf Club are the epitome of luxury and comfort, as they offer a home-away-from-home experience to the guests. The villas are spacious and well-appointed, with modern amenities and facilities, such as a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, a bedroom, a bathroom, a balcony, and a private garden. The villas also offer a stunning view of the golf course and the hills, and are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. The villas are available for rent or purchase, and are managed by a professional team of staff, who ensure that the guests have a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.
- Academy: The academy at Zion Hill Golf Club is one of the best golf academies in India, as it offers a comprehensive and holistic golf training program for golfers of all ages and levels. The academy is headed by Tarun Sardesai, a former professional golfer and a certified coach, who has a wealth of experience and expertise in teaching golf. The academy has a team of qualified and experienced coaches, who use the latest technology and equipment, such as video analysis, launch monitor, and swing simulator, to provide personalized and effective coaching. The academy also has a junior program, which aims to nurture and develop young golfers, and produce future champions. The academy has produced several successful golfers, such as Viraj Madappa, Aadil Bedi, and Udayan Mane, who have represented India at various national and international
- Adventure Zone: The adventure zone at Zion Hill Golf Club is a fun and exciting place for the guests who want to indulge in some adrenaline-pumping activities. The adventure zone offers a variety of options, such as zip-lining, rappelling, rock climbing, archery, paintball, and ATV rides. The adventure zone is supervised by trained and certified instructors, who ensure the safety and enjoyment of the guests. The adventure zone is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and is a great way to experience the thrill and beauty of nature.
- Nature Trail: The nature trail at Zion Hill Golf Club is a serene and scenic walk that takes the guests through the lush greenery and wildlife of the golf course. The nature trail is a 2 km loop that starts and ends at the clubhouse, and covers various points of interest, such as the granite hill, the water bodies, the bird sanctuary, and the butterfly garden. The nature trail is a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate, and to appreciate the flora and fauna of the region. The nature trail is also a good opportunity to spot some of the rare and exotic birds and animals that inhabit the golf course, such as peacocks, kingfishers, parrots, deer, rabbits, and monkeys.
- Cultural Tour: The cultural tour at Zion Hill Golf Club is a fascinating and enriching experience that takes the guests to some of the historical and cultural landmarks of Kolar. The cultural tour is a half-day excursion that includes a visit to the Someshwara Temple, the Kolaramma Temple, the Kotilingeshwara Temple, and the Champion Reef Gold Mine. The cultural tour is a great way to learn about the rich and diverse heritage of Kolar, and to witness the architectural and artistic marvels of the ancient and medieval periods. The cultural tour is guided by knowledgeable and friendly guides, who provide interesting and insightful information about the places and the stories behind them.
Why Book with Indian Golf Safari?
If you are interested in visiting the Zion Hill Golf Club, and enjoying the golfing and lifestyle destination that it offers, you might want to book your trip with Indian Golf Safari, the leading golf tour operator in India. Indian Golf Safari is a company that specializes in organizing customized and tailor-made golf holidays for golfers and non-golfers alike. Indian Golf Safari has a team of experts and professionals, who have extensive knowledge and experience in the golf industry, and who can provide you with the best service and value for your money. Indian Golf Safari can arrange everything for your golf getaway, such as:
- Transportation: Indian Golf Safari can provide you with comfortable and convenient transportation to and from the Zion Hill Golf Club, and to any other places that you want to visit. Indian Golf Safari can also arrange for a car rental, if you prefer to drive on your own.
- Accommodation: Indian Golf Safari can book your stay at the Zion Hill Golf Club, or at any other hotel or resort that suits your budget and preference. Indian Golf Safari can also offer you special rates and discounts, as they have tie-ups with various hotels and resorts in the region.
- Golf: Indian Golf Safari can book your tee times at the Zion Hill Golf Club, or at any other golf course that you want to play. Indian Golf Safari can also provide you with golf equipment, such as clubs, balls, and shoes, if you do not have your own. Indian Golf Safari can also arrange for golf lessons, if you want to improve your game, or for golf tournaments, if you want to compete with other golfers.
- Activities: Indian Golf Safari can plan your itinerary according to your interests and preferences, and include various activities and attractions that you want to enjoy. Indian Golf Safari can also suggest and recommend some of the best and most popular things to do and see in and around the Zion Hill Golf Club, such as the adventure zone, the nature trail, and the cultural tour.
Indian Golf Safari is a trusted and reliable partner, who can make your golf holiday a memorable and hassle-free one. Indian Golf Safari has a reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction, and has received positive feedback and testimonials from many of their clients. Indian Golf Safari is also a member of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, and follows the highest standards of quality and ethics in the golf tourism industry.
Conclusion
Zion Hill Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise near Bangalore, as it offers a world-class golf course, a state-of-the-art golf academy, a luxurious clubhouse, and a range of amenities and activities for golfers and non-golfers alike. Zion Hill Golf Club is a destination that combines the best of golf, nature, culture, and lifestyle, and provides a unique and unforgettable experience for its guests. If you want to visit the Zion Hill Golf Club, and enjoy the golfing and lifestyle destination that it offers, you should book your trip with Indian Golf Safari, the leading golf tour operator in India, who can arrange everything for your golf getaway, and provide you with the best service and value for your money. So, what are you waiting for? Contact Indian Golf Safari today, and get ready for a golf holiday of a lifetime.
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