Golf in India

Golf in India

The game of golf was introduced to India in the early 19th century.  In fact, India is the first country outside Great Britain where golf was adopted as a sport. It was a popular game among the British and the number golf clubs started mushrooming across the British-ruled India during that period. Wherever land was available and grass grew, golf found a new home. As a result, India already had a dozen of golf clubs by the end of 19th century.

The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC), established in 1829, is the first golf club in India. Royal Calcutta Golf Club paved the way for the foundation of Royal Bombay Golf Club (now-defunct) in 1842, the Bangalore Golf Club in 1876 and the Shillong Golf Club in 1886. Till the mid 1950s, Indian golf clubs were affiliated to the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, which followed the rules of St. Andrews in Scotland. But in December 1955, a group of golfers formed the Indian Golf Union that became the controlling body for the game. The Indian Golf Union is now affiliated to the World amateur Golf Council. Presently India has more than 160 golf clubs, including the highest 18-hole golf course in the world, situated at Gulmarg, Kashmir at the altitude of 2,700 meters.

‘All-India Amateur Golf Championship’ was the first national-level golf championship in India. It started in 1892 and the Royal Calcutta Golf Club hosted the inaugural tournament. This tournament enjoys the distinction of being the second oldest golf championship in the world, after the British Open (1860). Over the years, Indian golfers have consistently delivered admirable performance at both domestic and international level. The golden age of Indian golf had started with Ali Sher’s memorable Indian Open triumph. The golfing tradition in India is continuing to be as forceful as before, with the golfers breaking fresh grounds in distant lands. Along with the increasing popularity of golf and considerable amount of motivation, some of the Indian golfers have proved their worth at the international circuit.

Players including Arjun Atwal, Jyoti Randhawa, Shiv Kapur, Gaurav Ghei and Jeev Milka Singh, have brought laurels to the country. In addition to the admirable performances by the Indian Golf players, the Indian Golf Union is making earnest efforts to improve the standard of the game in the country. The domestic tour is being organized in a professional manner and has been given its due recognition in the homeland.

India offers incredible opportunities for the golf lovers. The country has some of the most exotic golf courses in the world. In the hills and high Himalayan vastness, in metropolitan cities and in small towns; one can golf almost anywhere in India. This outdoors sport is broadly played by the cross-section of people to the country’s often dramatic background. The excitement for the game along with the golfing experience amidst the lush green farms and the wonderful landscapes make many a men move. Golf tours in India are, therefore, gradually gaining a lot of popularity among the global golfing community. There are numerous travel agencies in India and abroad who plan and arrange tailor-made golf tours and ensure you savor the finest golfing standards and the warmest Indian hospitality along with high quality personal service.

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