GOLF

THE LURE OF THE TEE

'Leave your home course at home' because there are some amazing (and challenging) golf courses you will discover in the subcontinent. Of international standards and designed by names that include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Phil Ryan and Greg Norman, many of them are championship venues in breath-taking locales. Part of a colonial heritage, it is interesting that the Royal Calcutta Golf Club was established in 1829, the oldest golf course in the world outside of Great Britain. It was meant exclusively for the use of gentlemen, and ladies were very reluctantly admitted in 1886. In 1911, King George V and Queen Mary conferred upon it the title of 'Royal' to commemorate their visit to Calcutta. Golf began as an elite sport in India, and still continues to be. While Polo (both horse polo and elephant polo) was the sport of the royals, a modern royalty is playing more golf. A growing number of professionals play the India tour and some of the international tours as well. A golf trip to India isn't just about golf. Each city you travel to brings with it a unique club culture, fine dining experiences, the heritage of India, and the warmth and hospitality of its people.

EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY

Tee off at Greg Norman's pride

At 7,347 yards, the Jaypee Greens 18-hole Golf Course and Resort, designed by Greg Norman, is India's longest golf course. Situated on the fringes of Delhi, it has lush rolling greens, 14 water bodies and 88 bunkers, reminiscent of classic Melbourne Sandbelt courses. Jaypee is a popular course with club players and professionals alike and often hosts tournaments. The club house has excellent facilities that add to the joy of playing here.

History and a Game of Golf

In 1944, a young Maharani – the Rajmata Gayatri Devi – commissioned a golf course on the grounds of the Rambagh Palace, while it was still a royal home and not converted into a heritage hotel. The 18-hole course at the Rambagh Golf Club is comparable to some of the best championship courses in India and is part of the professional tour circuit. The course overlooks the Moti Doongri Palace and the Nahargarh Fort. The fairway paves its way through the Rambagh Polo Grounds, which have witnessed some of the greatest Polo matches during the time of Sawai Man Singh.

Sport at 7,200 feet!

Ready to take your sport to the next level? Oh, we do mean literally. The 18-hole Ooty Golf Course is set at an altitude of 7,200 feet and extends over 193.56 acres. Established in 1891 by Colonel Fane Sewell, it became a part of the Gymkhana Club that came up 5 years later. The rolling landscape means that nine holes of the 18 are shot blind, greens are not visible from the tee and guideposts direct the players. Hole 5 is 200 feet above hole 4 and is about the toughest on the course. The fairways are lush and the course follows soft contours of downland surrounded by thickly wooded copses of eucalyptus, oak, rhododendron and fir in the hollows.

testimonials

No complaints. We had an excellent trip with Vilasa. We were particular about an easy going trip but didn't want it to be boring & Vilasa, like usual, rose to the occasion. Keep it up team.

- Rafael Zaga, Mexico

I extend to you our most profound appreciation for making our trip a memorable one. Particularly, the team of Delhi office, the accommodation & the representatives in Delhi, Jaipur & Agra. Last but not least, my heart-felt thanks to our driver who accompanied us, his professionalism & great humor left a lasting impression on my wife & myself.

- David William, USA

My sincere thanks to the entire Vilasa team. Our trip throughout India was exciting and most of all, comfortable. Cheers to Roman for fitting in the sight-seeing even with our busy schedules. Thank you all.

- Qi Lin, China

All six of us just returned back home & are missing India already, all thanks to Vilasa team who made it all happen. The Champagne Tour, the Jharokha Dining experience & the vintage car ride in Udaipur were spectacular! Staying in Lake Palace & going glamping in Ranakpur were the highlight of this trip. Thank you Roman, Manoj & team for your guidance & patience!

- Maria Teresa, Mexico

We did not even need an event planner; the Vilasa team was that thorough & GOOD!! We flew down to India to renew our vows and really wanted to have an intimate ceremony on the beach. The Vilasa team went up & beyond to make our day special & treated us to some 'honeymoon' perks which was so cute!! Our 'babymoon' will also be with you guys. Sending our love

- Mr. & Mrs. Domini

This has been a very special, beautifully crafted trip. There was a wondrous mix of pure luxury and 'authentic' which is what we wanted. Our guides were all excellent; the Representatives were knowledgeable, efficient and charming. Overall this trip has left us with so many magical memories.

- Denys Blakeway

What a happy and fun vacation we had with our family (we're a family of 4 with two teenagers). Planned & executed wonderfully by Ruhani & Manoj. They listened to all the requests we had and made sure the teens are happily occupied as well! The special arrival we received at the airport and the attention to detail really impressed us. So excited for our Maldives trip with you next year!

- Chloe Cauqil, France

Team Vilasa, thank you for curating an epic journey! Ruhani was patient & enthusiastic throughout the planning and ideation stage of my journey. The textiles, the weavers, the designers & her creative vision made this trip better than I anticipated! I came back with much more than my hands could hold. Highly, highly recommend her.

- Liz Meehan, USA

Had a wonderful time in India last month. You were very helpful and efficient in all the planning and booking stages – thank you very much. We were also impressed by the efficiency of Vilasa and their agents on the ground at different stages of the trip; we were always met, and moved on to the next place, on time, and given helpful advice.

- Sonia Hancock

This was our second trip with Vilasa and we were so happy to realise that we are in Zuhaib's & Ruhani's skilled hands. Everything went as planned, as the trip leader of an all women group, safety was of the utmost importance but Ruhani put all our doubts at ease. They have surpassed our expectations once more!

- Natali Maksimenko, Russia

We travelled to India for a week. The pick up from the airport was on time & our driver, Prakash was with us for the entire trip. Our guide was very knowledgeable and his Russian was impeccable! Good job, team!

- Elena Degtiareva, Russia

I love photography and the Vilasa team from Minar Group was kind enough to assist me in my shoots! They recommended places that they thought would yield the best photos and I was surprised. It has been lovely exploring the lesser known side of India, my heartfelt thanks.

- Andrey Dudoladov, Russia

My experience with the Vilasa team has been incredible, especially Manoj. I wanted an experience that was hands-on & quite immersive, and the team delivered! My favourite memories were exploring Jawai with a naturalist & going to Bangla Sahib's kitchen for langar. Thank you!