History of the Delhi Golf Course

The Delhi Golf Course was formed in the year 1950 as an important part of the golf history of India. It was initially a municipal course in the early 1930’s and it was later formed into a corporate entity in 24^th February 1950. It was initially located in the land which was twice than its present size. It comprises of a sanctuary that has more than 300 species of birds and situated amidst the natural habitat. It has luscious green area and sandy loam. It was later redesigned by Peter Thompson in 1977-78 into 18 -hole golf course in 6972 yards. It was also chosen in the year 1982 for first ever Asian Games in 1982 which was a significant golf tournament and major landmark for India in the golf history. The Delhi Golf Course consists of the shorter 9-hole Peacock Course too.

Delhi Golf Course is one of the busiest golf courses and there are more than 500 golfers who play every day. The outward Journey consists of 3632 yards that are with a par of 38; inwards journey is of 3340 yards that is with a par of 35. The beginners tend to primarily use a nine-hole B course and at 522 yards par five is the first hole located on the main course. The second hole is located at 378 yards par four. The 12^th hole is not as fairly simple as the par three holes on the course. It is situated on a plateau. The 12^th hole on the oval green has dips, slopes and ripples that is sometimes difficult for the golfer to read. The 17^th hole is located near the Lodhi Tomb and it is a fairly easy par 3.

One of the most testing parts on the course is the 16^th one which is a long par 4. The player in order to get estimation on the second shot needs have carried 210 yards well. A narrow dog legged fairway restricts the drive which has to be cleared by two neem trees that are situated at the center of the elbow. One of the few highlights of the Delhi Golf course are the excellent facilities provided to the golfers. The distance for ladies golf course is roughly 5859 yards while the one for gentlemen is 6869 yards.

The Delhi Golf Club Course has witnessed significant change post the Independence period but the essence remained unchanged. The area that was covered before Independence was enormous that included parts of Kaka Nagar and Golf Links including the nearby housing localities. It was considered more like a lonely spot amidst the thick jungle. The redesigning skills of Thompson gave way to the replacement of the felled trees. The character of narrow scrubs and tree lined fairways has been retained by avoiding any large scale reconstruction. The course record in the history of Delhi Golf Course has been held by Graham Marsh who is an Australian player. He paved his way to consecutive 66s in the first and second rounds of 1971 Open.