Kashmirs golf courses a major attraction among tourists

Srinagar is fast emerging as a major destination for golfers, who visit Kashmirs capital for a holiday as well as to play golf in one of the best gold courses in the country.

Srinagar, June 4 : Srinagar is fast emerging as a major destination for golfers, who visit Kashmir's capital for a holiday as well as to play golf in one of the best gold courses in the country.

A state level golf tournament, participated by eight golfers from different parts of the country, was organized here at the popular 18-hole Royal Spring Golf Course, on the weekend.

Royal Spring Golf Course is now part of the national circuit, overlooking the famous Dal Lake and with a picturesque backdrop in the Zabarwan hills

Many of the golfers who visited Srinagar for the first time were bewitched to find such a fascinating golf course here.

"It's my first experience. I am playing first time in Srinagar and I am enjoying thoroughly. It's a wonderful golf course, no doubt about it. Very well laid, very well managed, everything is great," said Bimal Gupta, a golfer from Patna.

"This is about the prettiest and the best golf course I played on. It's beautifully laid out and the environment is exquisite, out of this world. It's a remarkable experience, something I will never forget," said Vinay Shanker, a veteran golfer.

According the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, sports events can convey a right message about the State and boost tourism in the long run.

"People are still afraid of coming to Kashmir. It is very important that people let go of their fears and for that, first it's the Indians who should visit this place and discover how unfounded their fears are. More such tournaments will result in more inflow of people into Kashmir, both from India and abroad," said Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Kashmir was once a top Asian tourist destination, popular among skiers, trekkers, anglers and river rafters. It also has two of the world's most beautiful golf courses.

Kashmir Valley offers verdant golf courses at Srinagar and Gulmarg, where one can play golf through out the summer (stretching from April to November).

Bordered by trees of Chinar and Pine, one may play for longer hours here than in the plains because of the lower temperatures and invigorating climate.

The golf course at Gulmarg is one of the prettiest ones. Located as high as 3730 metres above sea level, it is the highest green golf course anywhere in the world

The Kashmir Golf Club at Srinagar is spread over 52 sprawling acres of lush land.

The Royal Spring Golf course is situated near the famous Mughal Garden, Cheshmashahi.

Spread over an area of 300 acres, it overlooks the picturesque Dal Lake and Zabarwan hills. Designed and laid out by the renowned Golf architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. II, the golf course boasts of 118 holes and a par of 72.

ANI