Golf in Kashmir is an increasingly popular activity and choice of adventure for many. It is a unique experience, as the region combines a stunning natural landscape with a great range of challenging golf courses. With green thickets, rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and meandering rivers connecting to the glistening Dal Lake, it is simply breathtaking whilst playing golf. Golfers are taken back in time with every swing as they travel empty country roads through quaint villages, occasionally stopping to observe the local lifestyle and culture as friendly cow herders wave hello. As you go through winding paths and sleepy hamlets, you will eventually arrive at one of the world’s premier golf destinations, where amazing greens await.
1. Kashmir Golf Course, Srinagar
The Kashmir Golf Club in Srinagar is a paradise for golfers. The club has an excellent 9-hole golf course near the enchanting Dal Lake with a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and surrounding areas. The course layout provides natural beauty and challenges to players of various skill levels. It has been designed primarily to serve beginners, but skilled players find plenty of obstacles at Kansas, like water hazards, fairway bunkers, and various other elements of difficulty.
With stunning views of the Zabarwan Hills and clear blue skies, it is an amazing place to tee off. The atmosphere created by lush green grassy meadows against snowcapped mountains brings out the serenity in every level golfer. With its unique combination of attractive scenery and challenging play, this eye-catching golf club is hard to beat for a relaxing game to spend your day with family or friends.
2. Royal Springs Golf Course, Srinagar
Royal Springs, Srinagar Golf Course is a stunning golf course set amidst the captivating beauty of Kashmir Valley. Situated on the banks of the famous Dal Lake and at 10,000 feet, the lush greens and snow-capped mountains create a unique atmosphere that appeals to golfers worldwide. The course was designed by leading British golf architect Dr Martin Feehan who has left his imprint with undulating out-of-bounds areas and 18 holes spread across 7200 yards of grassy terrain.
Royal Springs also offers a range of other activities, such as hiking, camping, archery, horse riding, and even hot air balloon rides. Combined with inspiring views of the Dal Lake, green meadows and tall fir trees surrounding it make it the perfect setting for players looking to find solace away from their urban lives. Despite its long tradition of golf playing history, Royal Springs retains an air of seclusion and equipoise, making it home to some true treasures that lure visitors from far and wide in pursuit of its unbelievable surroundings.
3. Gulmarg Golf Course
Gulmarg Golf Course is a professional course in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. It has 18 holes, each marked with classic wooden signs. The gradient of the terrain gives a challenging yet enjoyable loop for golfers of every level. Walking around the course, they will take in incredible, stunning views of the Kashmir Valley from anywhere on the course due to its high altitude. Beautiful wildflowers line the tees and fairways of the green, adding colour to an already picturesque location.
The grass at The Gulmarg Golf Course is very lush and well maintained, and there are several different tee boxes with distances ranging from 5-300 yards, allowing for challenge and flexibility for each player’s game. It’s said that eminent figures such as Jim Corbett, Lord Curzon, and Mahatma Gandhi have played golf on these rolling hills – giving it an even more special charm when playing here today. For anyone looking to explore or challenge their golf skills in a unique environment – Gulmarg Golf Course is an absolute must-visit.
4. Leh Hillside Golf Course, Ladakh
Leh Hillside Golf Course in Ladakh is a rustic golfing experience with plenty of thrills and views. Set up against towering Himalayan peaks; the seven-hole course provides a challenging day out. It’s best known for its high-altitude holes and back nine, where you tee off at the foot of a mountain. The fairways are fairly narrow with sloping greens and will test even experienced golfers.
The air is very thin at this altitude, making it harder to hit long shots because your ball won’t go as far. However, each hole is lined with beautifully landscaped gardens full of vibrant wildflowers and shrubs from around the region, making it an absolute pleasure to traverse the course. The picturesque views make it an incredibly unique experience you can only get at Leh Hillside Golf Course.
5. Pahalgam Golf Club & Resort
The Pahalgam Golf Club & Resort is a five-star luxury golf and country club located in the serene regions of Pahalgam, India. This luxurious retreat has an 18-hole championship golf course with panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and traditional Kashmiri villages below. Unbelievably, golfers can play on a system designed to explore the ancient trade route used by traders over nine hundred years ago.
Moreover, they can take refuge under pine trees while playing their rounds. As a bonus, guests of the resort get access to many other amenities, including well-equipped sports academies for cricket and football; four swimming pools with Jacuzzi jets; spa for relaxation; state-of-the-art fitness centre; basketball courts; Adventure Park; beautifully landscaped gardens; and much more! All this makes Pahalgam Golf Club & Resort an ideal destination for leisure and corporate outings.
6. Sidhra Golf Course
Sidhra Golf Course is one of the premier golfing destinations in the country. Founded in 1987, renowned golf architect David Jones designed this sprawling 18-hole championship course. Taking advantage of its dramatic terrain, it features sweeping fairways and plush greens ideal for all levels of play. Amenities abound with adding a driving range and pro shop, ensuring a complete golf experience.
The club boasts an excellent layout that navigates through rolling hills, dense woodland, and like-like streams offering a challenge to players while enjoying their round. An automated drainage system also ensures uninterrupted play during wet weather, giving way to some well-groomed putting surfaces throughout the year. With its idyllic rural setting framed by distant hills, this picturesque course will bring people ba for years.
7. Police Lake Golf course
Police Lake Golf course in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir, is one of India’s most beautiful golf courses. Its location against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains and overlooking untouched lakes makes its breathtaking scenery. Although the par-72 course is relatively short at 5478 meters, it provides holes of varied shapes and sizes to challenge both amateurs and professionals.
The lush roughs on the edges of each hole provide ample challenge for unaccustomed club players. This emerald oasis has been drawing golfers from around the world since its establishment in 1922 by Colonel Lavin Hansraj Khan under the supervision of Maharaja Hari Singh, ruler of J&K. Although the elegance of this golf course has not changed much over time, modern updates have kept it competitive with other contemporary courses across India. For area residents and tourists, visiting Police Lake Golf Course is an experience that mustn’t be missed out on if ever travelling to Srinagar.
8. Army Golf Course, Srinagar
The Army Srinagar golf course is a must-visit if you are an avid golfer! Located among the valleys of Dal Lake and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is perfect for all types of golfers. The par 68, 18-hole championship course will give you a challenge no matter your skill level. Its undulating terrain, hills and trees make it a great spot to practice your shot-making skills.
With its natural beauty and peaceful setting, you can leave distractions at home and hit some balls in complete serenity. The lush green grass of the course is beautiful, with water sprinklers running at regular intervals to keep the greens in excellent condition throughout the year. While you take in the breathtaking views of Srinagar city in the background, golf can become more than just a sport – it becomes an experience.
9. The Army Dhruva Golf Club
The Army Dhruva Golf Club, located in Udhampur, is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This course has been extensively designed to ensure plenty of space for golfers to refine their techniques. This golf course’s setting is very green, surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air that one can enjoy. The fairways and greens benefit players looking for a difficult challenge or someone who wants to relax and practice on even terrain. Every hole plays differently, so golfers will enjoy the variety of this beautiful 9-hole course.
Furthermore, each hole provides amazing views up onto the ridge and down into the gorges, making it an incredibly scenic experience during your game of golf at Army Dhruva Golf Course. From short par 3s to long par 4s, this conveniently sized 3505-yard 27-par course gives you all the features of any full-length course while allowing you time to take in the natural beauty surrounding you. Whether playing as a couple or a group, Army Dhurva Golf Course will provide everyone with an amazing round every time they visit.
10. Lidder Valley Golf Course
Lidder Valley Golf Course is a stunning 30-acre, 18-hole championship golf course in Kashmir, India. It is located amid majestic pine and deodar trees and offers spectacular views at every turn. Five unique tees range from 4,229 to 6,213 yards. The fairways are well maintained, with lush grass and mature trees lining each hole.
Water hazards such as lakes and ponds come into play on a few holes, and bunkers strategically placed around the greens ensure a challenging round of golf. The greens are fast and true and feature subtle breaks that make them tricky yet rewarding if you can read them correctly. The scenic beauty combined with the tight fairways makes Lidder Valley Golf Course an ideal place for beginners to learn the game or for advanced players to fine-tune their skills. With its picturesque location and challenging holes, Lidder Valley Golf Course will surely bring out your inner golfer.
