Introduction
India’s tryst with golf owes much to the military. From the colonial era when officers introduced the sport, to modern times where defence establishments maintain some of the finest courses in the country, these fairways have quietly nurtured golfing talent. Although most are restricted to serving officers, ex-servicemen, and their guests, their heritage and quality make them integral to India’s golfing landscape.
Army Golf Courses
- Spread across cantonments in Delhi (Delhi Cantonment, Dhaula Kuan), Lucknow, Ambala, Shillong, Kolkata (Fort William), and many hill stations (Ranikhet, Lansdowne, Gulmarg, Leh).
- Many are historic, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Facilities: usually 9 or 18 holes, well-maintained with limited civilian access on invitation or membership.
Air Force Golf Courses
- Found in bases like Palam (Delhi), Jalahalli (Bengaluru), Nagpur, and Tezpur.
- Typically smaller (9 holes), serving the Air Force community but maintained to good standards.
Naval Golf Courses
- Located in Kochi (Naval Base), Vizag (Eastern Naval Command), Goa, and Mumbai (INS Kunjali proximity).
- Many are compact but scenic, often near the coastline.
Paramilitary Forces
- The BSF Golf Course in Jodhpur is a prime example, open for limited civilian play and tournaments.
- Other paramilitary establishments like CRPF and ITBP also have practice facilities at certain training centres.
Significance
- Beyond recreation, these courses play a role in discipline, camaraderie, and officer welfare.
- Some serve as breeding grounds for Indian golfing talent—for instance, several Indian professional golfers had their first swings at cantonment courses.
- They also host inter-services and invitational tournaments.
Significance
While civilian golfers may rarely access them, the defence and paramilitary golf courses remain a vital chapter of Indian golf. They preserve heritage, nurture the sport, and maintain some of the country’s most picturesque and challenging layouts—quietly hidden behind the secure gates of cantonments and bases.
Your Golf Journey Starts Here
Passionate about golf? Explore India’s best courses, discover expert insights, and join the conversation at WolverineSpeak.com.
Read our Complete Guide to Golf in India
Pingback: Golf In India: Complete Guide To Courses, Clubs, Costs & Players %