This club was established in the early days of the British rule by Sir Neville Chamberlain, K.C.B.. The Gulmarg Golf Club has attracted many golfers for almost a century. The Gulmarg Golf Club is surrounded by a lush green trees, alpine flowers and crises crossed by snow fed streams and rivulets; gently twisting slopes covered with a natural mossy terrain, and a crispy cool caressing weather.
This golf course was redesigned by the famous golf architect, Peter Thompson. Today its has a 6,760 yards, par 72, 18 hole. The layout of the course too is strikingly different from most golf courses - hardly any stretch is flat - the land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course which has a par of 72. This highest golf course in the world, also boasts of India's longest hole, a par five, 610 yards. Unlike most of the other par-fives on the Gulmarg course, the eighth plays much longer than its 610 yards because of the uphill factor. The green course features not only the rippling rivulets, pre-defined streams and ponds, but also herds of sheep which rules out the need for lawn mowers and keep the fairways in excellent condition.
The most interesting and trying hole on the Gulmarg course is unquestionably the 17th. Although not very long, it calls for some precise hitting to land on the green which is daringly placed on the edge of a cliff. The 18th hole, a par five, is an thrilling experience. It's downhill crosses from St. Mary's Church to the club house, a drop of 300 feet. The Gulmarg Golf Club is adequate enough to handle the holiday golfer and organise for the services of caddies and coache. Golf sets can also be hired at very affordable and reasonable rates. Facilities at the club consists of a bar, library, lounge, table tennis, lawn tennis and lots more. The Gulmarg golf course is generally open between April and November, as it is concealed by snow for the rest of the year and its disciplined slopes are converted into mini ski runs for beginners.
If you are planning to play golf regularly through out the entire duration of your stay in Kashmir, a temporary membership can be availed, which will enable you to use the course for as long as you are here. Naturally the membership permits you to use the clubhouse restaurant facilities. You can hire a golf set and balls for the day from the pro-shops at Gulmarg. If you want to brush up your play, or simply want to learn golf as a beginner, there are efficient trainers at both clubs.