Gulmarg, Jun 24 (KNO): A near-abandoned stretch of green Golf Course in Kashmir's Gulmarg is all set for a revival after years of neglect, even as J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated by the end of year, it will be able to host full-scale tournaments.
Speaking at the event in Gulmarg, Chief Minister Omar, as per the news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO), acknowledged the years of neglect that had pushed the course into disrepair, saying, “Unfortunately, the Golf Course was in a deplorable condition. There was a time when it felt that Golf could never be played here again”.
CM hailed recent restoration efforts as a major turnaround, crediting the local administration and Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah for their dedication. “Nine holes have already been readied for the sport, and the remaining nine will be completed in the next one to two months,” he announced, adding that the government is fully invested in transforming the course into a venue of national and international repute.
He further revealed that by the end of this year, the course is expected to be fully operational and ready to host major tournaments. “The remaining issues will be corrected and next year, we will begin organizing events at national and international levels", he said.
Meanwhile, MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah, who has been actively involved in the revival drive, described the course as one of Gulmarg’s Unique Selling Points (USPs) and a powerful draw for high-end tourists.
“This is one of the USPs of Gulmarg. We promise that within the next two years, it will be a world-class course. We aim to bring it to international standards because this is not a normal golf course. It is a gem of our tourism infrastructure,” he stated.
The scenic backdrop of the Pir Panjal range, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air makes Gulmarg an ideal destination for golfing, he said. “The scenery you see here, you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Golfers love this course not just for the game, but for the experience".
Recognizing golf as a high-end tourism activity, MLA Shah said the initiative is also economically strategic. “A golfer is considered to be the highest spending tourist. So, if we attract more golfers here, our local tourism sector, hoteliers, guides will greatly benefit".
The MLA revealed plans for establishing a Golf Academy in Gulmarg to promote the sport among local youth. “We will sponsor children from our schools so they can learn golf. Golf is ageless. It’s excellent for health and we want to cultivate that culture here".
Notably, the Gulmarg Golf Course, built in 1890, is the second highest green golf course in the world—(KNO)