best golf courses in India
Golf in India transcends beyond being just a sport – it’s an emblem of sophistication, a retreat for the mind, and a platform for fostering friendships. Often dubbed the “gentleman’s game,” its allure isn’t merely confined to the competitive spirit it ignites but also lies in the tranquility and fellowship it offers. India, with its burgeoning community of golf aficionados, boasts a myriad of more than 400 golf courses that beckon players of every level to immerse themselves in the game’s enduring charm. From the historic greens of Delhi to the scenic stretches across the nation, each course tells a story, promising a blend of challenge, leisure, and a deep connection with nature. This article unveils the top 15 best golf courses in India that are a must-visit for every enthusiast eager to refine their skills and relish the grandeur of this noble sport.
Location: HAL Old Airport Rd, Embassy Golf Links Business Park, Challaghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008, India
Karnataka Golf Association
Transformed from the old Chalaghatta swamp into a verdant 125-acre haven, the Karnataka Golf Association’s course is one of the best golf courses in India, a marvel of design by Peter Thompson. This 7219-yard par 72 course is a test of skill and strategy, with a slope rating of 137 from the championship tees. It features Hybrid Bermuda Tiffway fairways leading to pristine Bermuda Tiff Dwarf greens, with a consistent westerly grain except near ponds, offering fast play, especially during tournaments.
Seasonal winds add an extra layer of challenge, while the course ensures comfort with water, refreshments, and facilities strategically placed, plus first-aid and connectivity for a comprehensive golfing experience. The clubhouse rounds off the amenities with full dining options, ensuring every golfer’s need is met with distinction and class.
Location: Kundana, Taluk, Hobli, Devanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562164, India
Prestige Golfshire Club
Nestled just a short drive north of Bangalore and near the international airport, Prestige Golfshire Club offers a serene escape set against the breathtaking Nandi Hills, sprawling across 275 acres. This award-winning destination combines luxurious golfing with opulent living, boasting an 18-hole championship course crafted by Bob Hunt.
Echoing the tradition of classic links courses, it integrates natural topography and strategic hazards to challenge every golfer. Beyond golf, the estate promises lavish living with mansions overlooking the verdant course and scenic hills. The clubhouse enhances the experience, featuring comprehensive amenities from dining to relaxation, ensuring a prestigious lifestyle and an unmatched golfing retreat.
Location: 18, Golf Club Rd, Golf Gardens, Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700033, India
Royal Calcutta Golf Club
Steeped in history and predating many British clubs, the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, founded in 1829, is an emblem of golfing heritage, tracing its origins back to the burgeoning era of the British Raj. Initially located at Dum Dum, the club, originally known as the Dum Dum Golfing Club, now graces the southern suburbs of Kolkata.
This oldest golf course in India once boasted thirty-six holes, financial constraints have reduced it to a venerable eighteen-hole course, celebrated as the subcontinent’s finest. This parkland course, adorned with lush trees and abundant water bodies or ‘tanks,’ offers a deceptive challenge, appearing open and inviting while demanding strategic play and precision, a testament to its enduring allure and esteemed status in the golfing world.
Location: Sanand-Bavla Road, Sanand, Nani Devati, Gujarat 382170, India
Glade One Golf Club
Situated between Ahmedabad and Sanand, Glade One Golf Club is a serene haven that melds natural beauty with vibrant recreational offerings. Crafted by the renowned Gary Player Design, the championship course showcases its hallmark versatility, with each of the 9 holes distinctly designed to blend aesthetics, strategic challenge, playability, and relaxation.
Beyond golf, Glade One is replete with world-class amenities set within beautifully landscaped surroundings, providing a resort-like experience. It invites you to immerse in nature, whether it’s a leisurely walk along picturesque trails, a quiet conversation in a secluded woodland nook, or a romantic evening by the lake, ensuring every visit is a rejuvenating escape.
Location: Golf Course Rd, opp. American Express, DLF Phase 5, Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana 122009, India
DLF Golf & Country Club
The DLF Golf & Country Club, backed by India’s leading real estate developer DLF in Gurgaon, south of New Delhi, stands as a beacon of golfing excellence since its inception in 1999 with an Arnold Palmer-designed course. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the course was a pioneer in India, featuring night golf with its floodlit fairways.
Evolving further, DLF introduced a new 18-hole Gary Player course in 2015, adding to its prestige and challenge, characterized by dramatic landscapes and strategic water hazards. This course, alongside the original 9-hole Palmer course, hosted the Hero Indian Open, cementing DLF’s status in the golf world. The Gary Player course, with its demanding layout and stunning aesthetics, provides a rigorous test for golfers, making DLF a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking top-tier golfing in India.
Location: Mumbai – Bangalore Highway, Bavdhan, Pune, Maharashtra 411021, India
Oxford Golf Resort
The Oxford Golf Resort in Pune stands out as one of India’s premier golf and leisure destinations, acclaimed for its exceptional offerings. It features Pune’s only 18-hole private golf course, acclaimed for its meticulous design and scenic beauty, providing a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Alongside the golf course, the resort hosts a Golf Academy, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players aiming to hone their skills. Complementing its sports facilities, the resort boasts an all-suite hotel, offering luxurious accommodations amidst the serene 136-acre property. Its proximity to Pune makes it an accessible retreat for leisure and relaxation, promising an unmatched experience for guests looking for a blend of sport and luxury in a picturesque setting.
Location: Bhopal, Sanand – Viramgam Hwy, B/h, Muni Bapu Ashram, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382110, India
Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club
Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club, a gem in the Navratna Group’s crown, has consistently been celebrated as the Best Golf Course in India from 2015 to 2019, as acknowledged by the World Golf Awards. Set against the backdrop of Gujarat’s real estate marvel, this vast 500-acre sanctuary near Sanand offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, recreation, and natural beauty. Its standout feature is an exquisite 18-hole golf course, a masterpiece conceived by Nicklaus Design, led by the golf legend Jack Nicklaus himself.
Surrounded by 700 lavish villas, Kalhaar Blues & Greens not only promises elite golfing experiences but also an opulent lifestyle, with residences meticulously designed to complement the breathtaking views of the course and serene landscape, establishing it as a coveted address and retreat just a stone’s throw from the city hustle.
Location: P.O, Hasanpur, Tauru, Bissau Akbarpur, Haryana 122105, India
Classic Golf & Country Club at ITC Grand Bharat
Nestled in the serene environs of the Aravalli foothills near Delhi, the Classic Golf & Country Club at ITC Grand Bharat boasts South Asia’s first 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This prestigious venue, marking a milestone as Asia’s initial endeavor of its kind, offers an 18-hole Championship course (‘Ridge’ & ‘Valley’) and a 9-hole Executive course (‘Canyon’), sprawling across 1.2 square kilometers.
Renowned as one of the finest India golf courses, it is conveniently situated within a lush 300-acre estate, making it an accessible yet exclusive retreat for golf enthusiasts seeking an international-standard experience near India’s capital.
Location: off Bangalore – Mysore Highway, Shyanamangala Cross, Bidadi, Mysore Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562109, India
Eagleton – The Golf Village
Eagleton – The Golf Village stands as a remarkable blend of challenge and enjoyment for golfers while championing ecological conservation, thereby augmenting Bangalore’s reputation as the Garden City. With a design philosophy echoing the respect for nature seen at St. Andrews, Eagleton integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, preserving the local ecosystem and offering a scenic golfing experience.
Awarded by Asian Golf Monthly and recognized in the Rolex Top 1000 Golf Courses globally, Eagleton is not only a beacon in Indian golf but also a steward of environmental care, featuring over 25,000 trees and sustainable practices. Its role in hosting prestigious golf tournaments underscores its status as a premier venue, providing a unique and immersive golf experience amidst its richly layered landscape.
Location: Boulevard Rd, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001, India
Royal Springs Golf Course
Located at the base of the Zabarwan Hills and neighboring the historic 17th-century Chashme Shahi Mughal garden, the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar is a public gem operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. Opening its fairways in 2001, it proudly stands as the first and only golf course in India designed by the esteemed Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Spanning 7,000 yards amidst a higher altitude that generously adds distance to each shot, the course’s natural challenges are softened by the breathtaking surroundings. Golfers can delight in the diverse bird life and the striking views over Dal Lake, especially from the elevated fifth hole, which is widely regarded as the course’s signature due to its unmatched scenic vista. This course offers not just a game of golf but an immersive experience in one of the best golf courses in India.
Location: G-Block, Surajpur – Kasna Rd, Block B, Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201308, India
Jaypee Greens Golf Course
Jaypee Greens, designed by golf legend Greg Norman, is his singular Indian masterpiece, situated within a vast residential community a mere hour from central New Delhi. Unfurled across 430 acres, this expansive course ranks among the longest golf courses in India, extending 7,347 yards from the back tees.
Its design ingeniously incorporates numerous lakes, born from the need for fairway contouring, bringing water hazards into play on many holes. The course also features nearly a hundred bunkers, echoing the classic style of Melbourne’s sand belt challenges. The verdant fairways, clad in imported Bermuda Evergreen grass, juxtapose beautifully against areas of woodland and wetland, creating a secluded retreat.
Memorable holes include the strategically demanding 4th and the challenging 12th and 13th, highlighting the course’s tactical diversity. In 2013, Jaypee Greens Golf Course hosted the Avantha Masters, marking a significant chapter in its competitive legacy.
Location: Dr Zakir Hussain Marg, Delhi Golf Club, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
Delhi Golf Club
Delhi Golf Club stands as a verdant oasis, boasting a rich avian diversity, with each hole named after a distinct bird species. Beyond its natural beauty, the club poses a formidable challenge, renowned as one of the best golf courses in India.
Although it is not as old as the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Delhi Golf Club holds its own historic significance in New Delhi, chosen for its location a century after Royal Calcutta’s establishment amid the capital’s transition. The main course, Lodhi, intertwined with relics predating the Mughal Empire, provides a unique backdrop for its 18 holes, while the additional 9-hole Peacock Course serves as an ideal preamble to the main event.
Since its foundation in 1951 and subsequent redesign by Peter Thomson, the club has played a pivotal role in Indian golf, hosting the inaugural Indian Open and marking milestones in the Asian and European Tours. Its fairways have witnessed remarkable achievements, including Anirban Lahiri’s victory, making it more than a golf course but a historical monument within the sport.
Location: JCG7+W4H, Aamby Valley City, Devghar, Maharashtra 412108, India
Aamby Valley Golf Club
The British-design Aamby Valley Golf Course is a challenge and delight, with its rolling fairways, nuanced greens, and strategic bunkering demanding skill and strategy. Spread across 250 acres, this par-72 course is enveloped by breathtaking landscapes, enhancing the serene ambiance. Wildlife sightings like peacocks and deer add a touch of wilderness to your game.
Moreover, Aamby Valley boasts a championship-standard, fully floodlit 18-hole course alongside a state-of-the-art Golf Academy, equipped with advanced teaching facilities and run by PGA-qualified Indian professionals, setting a high benchmark in golfing education in India.
Location: P.O, Dist, Fingerpost, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643006, India
The historic golf course at Ootacamund Gymkhana Club promises a unique and memorable golfing experience for every golfer. Perched 7,000 feet above sea level, it offers a refreshing retreat with cooler temperatures, favored by the British during the 19th century. Today, it resonates with military personnel and golf enthusiasts alike, delivering a nostalgic charm and challenging play.
The course is marked by its hilly terrain, echoing the natural slopes of the region and presenting a dynamic game akin to its famous global counterparts. Golfers can expect a vivid adventure on these fairways, where traditional maintenance adds to its rustic appeal. Playing here isn’t just about the sport; it’s about relishing golf in its most natural setting, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the Nilgiri hills, making it a cherished destination for those seeking an authentic golfing encounter.
Location: Emaar, Boulder Hills Rd, Madhava Reddy Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India
Boulder Hills Golf Course
Boulder Hills Golf Course in Hyderabad, a project that saw the light of day decades after Donald Harradine first envisioned a course in the area, stands as a testament to resilience and creativity in golf course design. Completed by his son Peter Harradine, amidst Hyderabad’s natural landscape adorned with imposing boulders, the course integrates these massive rocks into its fairways, crafting a unique and challenging golfing experience. This design harmoniously aligns with the traditional Indian Vastu Shastra, which emphasizes balance with nature, making the course not only a sporting venue but a celebration of natural beauty. Tom Doak describes Boulder Hills as a striking feature of Hyderabad’s expanding western front, noting its intriguing play between boulders, which adds character to each hole. Despite its flat greens, the affordable green fee and the distinctiveness of playing among ancient boulders offer a memorable experience, blending modern golfing with a touch of natural wonder.
Above, we have introduced you to the 15 best golf courses in India. Did you play these courses? Don’t hesitate to share your experience by commenting on the box below. Or, remind us if you know other India golf courses that are worth a visit. Thank you so much for your reading!
Read more:
9 days golf in Vietnam is an incredible way to experience world-class courses set against…
8 days golf in Singapore offers the perfect mix of golf, sightseeing and relaxation for…
7 days golf in Singapore offers a fantastic blend of world-class courses, vibrant city life…
Are you looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life?…
Golfing in Indonesia offers a diverse range of experiences for both casual players and avid…
Da Nang is one of the most famous tourist cities in Vietnam, known for its…