Uttarakhand has always lured people with its
lush green surroundings and vast Himalayan range. The mountains
and rivers of Uttarakhand have offered some very tough
challenges to the adventure freaks. But there is more than
adventure sports to the state, which is more subtle and gentle.
Golf, one of the most favored past time of men, globally, has a
very strong presence in Uttarakhand. For a Golf lover,
Uttarakhand is a paradise. The Golf courses worldwide are known
for their green meadows, surrounded by small lakes and small
elevations on ground. Picture it all in middle of Himalayas,
where the geographical variation is provided naturally. The Golf
courses in Uttarakhand have incomparable beauty. Surrounded by
mountains, fruit orchards and snow capped hill tops, the Golf
courses here are also famous as tourist destination, apart from
being favorites of professional players. The Golf courses in
Uttarakhand are naturally very picturesque and can give a tough
time to a golfer.
Raj Bhawan Golf Course, Nainital
The Raj Bhawan Golf Course in Nainital has been in use since
1926. Sir Malcolm Halley, the then governor of United
Province, found the place suitable for Golf and the golf
course was designed and constructed by the British Army
engineers. Spread over an area of 50 acres, and set on an
altitude of 1932 M, the ground is a masterpiece, covered by
soft grass and surrounded by fruit orchards. The 18 hole golf
course is amogst the finest in India. The Golf course is built
near the Raj Bhawan, residence of the former governors of
United Province.
Equipment
The equipment, caddie and coach can be hired from the
respective Golf clubs at a reasonable price. At Raj Bhawan
Golf Course, the charges for Golf accessories are prices very
moderately.
The Golf Course From the level of the lower lawn, well
graded paths traverse the outlying portion of the grounds
where the golf course lies. It is an 18 hole golf course with
18 different tees. Golfing was started in 1926 with the
efforts of Lord Malcolm Hailey, the then Governor of the
United Provinces. The golf course was designed and constructed
by the British Army Engineers. A culmination of masterpiece
designing, the ground was studded with hards and covered by
vibrant forests which can still be witnessed. The course is
spread over an area of 50 acres amidst a hilly landscape with
a typical flavour of the British penchant for sylvan
surroundings.
It is one of the most challenging courses in the world where
one can enjoy the ethereal beauty of the course with the
changing seasons. For draining out the water from the golf
course, an undergrounfd tunnel 137.1 m. in length has been
constructed in the lowest bopwl of the cours, a marvel of
engineering skill. According to local folklore, the tunnel had
served as the hideout of Sultana Daku, the Robin Hood of
India, in bygone days.
In 1994, the Golf course was opened for the public. The Golf
course has since been developed to a great extent due to the
efforts of the various Governors of Uttarakhand. This is
currently one of the best maintained courses in the country
and the pride of Uttarakhand and is hosting many Golf
Championships.
Visiting Raj Bhawan - Subjected to pleasure of His
Excellency; Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited, also conduct
tours to Raj Bhawan.
