Kashmir looks to tee off more golf courses

SRINAGAR: New golf courses are coming up in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Jammu, in addition to the three existing courses in Srinagar.

This new plan is estimated to cost Rs eight crore, of which Rs five crore will be spent on the Gulmarg golf course, Rs two crore will be spent on the Pahalgam golf course and the remaining Rs one crore will go to the Jammu golf course.

The J&K government has engaged noted architects for relaying the golf courses so that these could match the international standards.

“We want to refurbish the golf courses in Gulmarg and Pahalgam to promote tourism. Golfing is a game of high spending tourists. And if we can attract this group, our tourism will definitely get a big boost,” said Farooq Ahmad Shah, director of Kashmir tourism.

The government is planning to convert the Gulmarg golf course into an18-hole golf course in a bid to organise big tournaments here.

“Gulmarg golf course is situated at a high altitude. It is one of the highest in the world. This is something which we are banking upon. We have already engaged a renowned
golfer and layout designer to make this golf course as one of the best in the country”, said Shah, also the chief executive officer of Gulmarg Development Authority.

Similarly, the courses at Paghalgam and Jammu are being re-laid to meet international standards.

“We want to infuse a new life to the tourism in Kashmir. For that we are working on fresh ideas. Laying golf courses is one such idea. It will definitely help us in the long run,” said Shah.