GULMARG, Aug 19(KNS): The 134-year-old Gulmarg Golf Course is being revived as part of J&K’s push to promote high-end golf tourism, with 9 holes already completed and the full 18 holes expected to be ready by September, MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah said on Monday. 

 

 Speaking to KNS at the course, Shah described Gulmarg as a “heritage course” and one of the country’s most important golfing assets.

 

 “This is not an ordinary course. It is 134 years old, built by the British. It has heritage value. A lot of tournaments used to be organized here,” he said.

 

He added that Gulmarg is the third oldest golf course in India and “presently the highest green in the world.”

 

“Our mission is to promote it internationally. We invite people to come and play at the world’s highest green and one of the oldest courses in the world,” Shah said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel 

 

 The MLA said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, had issued instructions to expedite the renovation as the course was in poor condition.

  

“I congratulate the CEO and his entire team who have worked very hard. Nine holes have been fully completed. Work is ongoing on the remaining holes. InshaAllah, in the month of September we will have all 18 holes ready,” he said.

 

 Outlining the upcoming calendar, Shah said two championships are planned at Gulmarg in September, including an effort to host a National Championship.

 

“We are trying for one National Championship as well, so that there is promotion,” he added.

 

 The push to revive Gulmarg’s golf infrastructure is part of the Tourism Department’s larger strategy to position J&K as a premier destination for golf tourism and attract both domestic and international players.(KNS)