SRINAGAR: The Gulmarg Golf Course, is set for a major revival, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announcing that the venue will be ready to host full-scale tournaments by the end of the year.
Speaking at an event in Gulmarg, Chief Minister acknowledged the long period of disrepair, saying, “Unfortunately, the Golf Course was in a deplorable condition. There was a time it seemed golf could never be played here again.”
He credited the local administration and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah for leading the restoration efforts. “Nine holes have already been restored, and the remaining nine will be completed within the next one to two months,” Omar said, adding that the government is committed to developing the course into a venue of national and international standard.
He further announced that the course will be fully operational by year-end, with plans to host national and international tournaments starting next year.
MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah, described the course as one of Gulmarg’s key tourism assets. “This is one of the USPs of Gulmarg. We aim to make it a world-class course within two years. It is not an ordinary facility—it’s a gem of our tourism infrastructure,” he said.
Highlighting its scenic setting, Shah noted the Pir Panjal backdrop, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air make it a unique golfing destination. “The scenery here is unmatched. Golfers are drawn not just by the game, but by the experience,” he said.
Calling golf a high-end tourism activity, the MLA said the initiative also has economic potential. “A golfer is among the highest spending tourists. Their presence will benefit our local tourism industry, including hoteliers and guides,” he said.
He also announced plans to establish a Golf Academy in Gulmarg to promote the sport among youth. “We’ll sponsor local schoolchildren to learn golf. It’s ageless, good for health, and we want to build that culture here,” he added.
Notably, the Gulmarg Golf Course, built in 1890, is the second-highest green golf course in the world. (KNO)
