Golfing getaways in and around the city of Bengaluru
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 11:17
Blessed with abundant natural wealth and a salubrious climate, Karnataka is an ideal location for sprawling golfing getaways. In fact, the state has a long golfing history: the sporting tradition came to Karnataka along with the British. In fact, the Bangalore Golf Club, established in 1820, was supposedly the first golf club to be set up outside Great Britain, and has a hoary tradition of excellence. Since then, golfing clubs have been sprouting all over the state with regularity.
Considered a high-end sport around the world, golf has many things going for it. Apart from being a sport, it is also seen as a stress-buster, an aspirational activity and an outdoor boardroom of sorts where strategies are planned and deals clinched. The golfing tradition that originated in Bangalore owes a lot to its lifestyle. With many talented golfers making the city their home, and just as many tournaments being organised by world-renowned sponsors, golf is truly a flourishing sport in these parts. So, it's only fitting that Karnataka plays up to its strengths and hosts tournaments such as the Toyota Golf Series in Bangalore and Mysore.
Golfing greens in Karnataka are of many types. Urban environments such as Bangalore and Mysore are home to several golf courses, where enthusiasts can play regularly within city limits. For golfers who want to get away, but don't want to stray too far, an ideal getaway is the beautifully laid-out Eagleton course on Bangalore's outskirts. Another picturesque option which is a short drive from the city is Mysore's Jayachamaraja Wadiyar course, uniquely situated with a race course in its midst and the imposing Chamundi Hills rising behind it. The Prestige Golfshire near the Bangalore International Airport and the Champion Reef Golf County in Kolar are other attractive options around the city.
The next big thing are golf getaways, where avid buffs get to unwind and play in serene and peaceful surroundings such as Coorg and Chikmagalur, both of which are among Karnataka's best-known holiday destinations. Most courses allow non-member golfers with IGU cards (Indian Golf Union cards can be procured through the member course) to play, while many of the private courses permit non-member, non-IGU card holders to play as well. In both cases though, players have to pay a green fee, which varies from course to course. Mark Thomas Stanley, expat golf course superintendent of Prestige Golf shire, shares his experience with golf in India. 'Back at home in Australia, golf is quite a big sport and is popular amongst all ages. Weekend golf trips maybe a little expensive, but well worth it. In India, it's unbelievable to see how much it's grown. It won't be long before it becomes the most popular sport, after cricket, that is!", Stanley says.
The courses in Coorg and Chikmaglur are perfect to reconnect with nature and disconnect from the rest of the world over a few rounds of golf. In Coorg (nicknamed the Scotland of India), golfers can choose from four courses located in Madikeri, Polibetta, Somwarpet and Virajpet. Set amid rolling hills covered with coffee plantations, jungles and abundant wildlife, Chikmagalur is also the perfect backdrop for a golfing holiday. From star hotels and resorts to home stays and estate stays, there's no dearth of accommodation options and non-golfing activities which can keep the family busy, while the golfer in you can enjoy to the hilt. And then there's the Chikmagalur Golf Club which ticks all the right boxes for a round or three of the relaxing sport.
List of Golf Courses in and around the city:
Eagleton Golf Resort:
30th Km, Bidadi Village
Bangalore-Mysore Highway
Holes; 18, Yardage: 7100, Par: 72.
Green Fee: Rs 1000 on weekdays,
Rs 2000 on weekends and public holidays
Prestige Golfshire:
112 km from the Bangalore International Airport. Bangalore
Holes: 18, Yardage: 7004, Par: 72
Green Fee: Rs 1600 onwards on weekdays,
Rs 3200 onwards on weekends and public holidays
Champion Reef Golf County:
State Highway 5, Kolar-KGF Road
Holes: 18, Yardage; 7005, Par: 72
Green Fee: Rs 500 on weekdays, Rs 900 on weekends and public holidays
Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club:
Maharana Pratap Singhji Road, Nazarbad,
Mysore
Holes: 18, Yardage: 6217, Par: 70
Green fee: Rs 300
Mercara Downs Golf Club:
PO Box 79, Galibeebu Village, Madlkeri
Holes: 18, Yardage: 5497, Par; 70
Green Fee: Rs 350 onwards
Taia Coffee Golf Club:
Tata Coffee Ltd, Polibetta
Holes:9/18, Yardage: 5833, Par; 70
Green Fee: Available on request
Chikmagalur Golf Club:
Karadahalli Kaval, Chickmagalur
Holes: 18, Yardage: 5762, Par: 72
Green Fee: Rs 300 for Indians, Rs 500 for foreigners
Belur Golf Club:
North Coorg, Sornwarpet
Holes:9/13, Yardage: 5572, Par: 66
Green Fee: Available on request
Coorg Golf Links:
Spring Valley Annexe, Bittangala, Mysore Main
Road, Virajpet
Holes: 18, Yardage: 6000, Par: 70
Green Fee: Rs 250