Introduction

One of the oldest golf clubs in the country, the Gulmarg Golf Club also has the distinction of being one of the (if not the), highest in the world. This is an 18 hole, par 72 course with a yardage of 6,985.

The club was started in the early twentieth century by the numerous British officers who holidayed in Gulmarg. In the nineteen-twenties, there were supposedly three different courses; there were two eighteen-hole courses, the ‘Upper Course’ and the ‘Lower Course.’ There was one nine-hole ‘Middle Course’ that was rather disparagingly called the ‘Rabbits Course’ or the ‘Rabbit Run’ or even, the ‘Rabbit Warren’. After 1947 and the departure of the British, the courses fell into disuse and saw a revival only in the nineteen-fifties. Today, of the three old ones, the only course to survive is what approximates to the old Upper Course. This was redesigned in the nineteen-seventies by the Australian golf champion, Peter Thomson – who has also designed several courses in Australia and is a well-known golf writer. This now has pre-defined rivulets, streams and ponds. This also has what is believed to be India's longest hole, which is a par five, at 610 yards.

The Gulmarg course has one substantial advantage over others and this is the pleasant climate and the cool breeze that allow players to remain on the course for longer periods of time. This also permits them to select their time of day without being constrained by midday heat. The height of Gulmarg and lower air-density also alters the way the ball behaves and it can seem lighter to a golfer used to playing at lower altitudes.

The long winter months, when the turf remains buried under several feet of snow – and the prolonged dormancy this necessitates – gives it a natural springiness and bounce. The course, which doubles over as training ground for amateur skiers in winter, has a putting green and a driving range too. Casual players are welcomed who can use the facilities by paying a daily or weekly green fee or by taking a short-term membership.

Special Attributes

One of the highest golf courses in the world

Nuisance

Stray sheep sometimes wander into the fairways and crows sometimes swoop away balls.

Dressing restrictions

Standard cool climate golf gear.

Connectivity

Walking

Enjoyed by

Golfers

Exposure

Yes. One would need protection against UV rays. Sunglass and sun screen lotion (especially for Caucasians) recommended while playing in bright sunlight.

Avoidable Season

January-February

Facilities

Restaurant, Library, Bar, Lounge, Table Tennis and Lawn Tennis

Things Not Allowed

None as such

Tip

Late-spring is when the turf is considered best.

Type of site

Golf course.