India poised to emerge as a world golf tourism hub

New Delhi [India], July 10 (ANI): The sport of golf is gaining momentum in India at a breezy pace.
The emerging trend of playing golf among the youth has motivated the government and private players to improve infrastructure, including golf courses of international standards and trained manpower.
Looking at the interest and potential in this sport, the Indian government is now keen to exploit golf tourism in its true potential. The Ministry of Tourism feels this will also help in the development of overall ecosystem of tourism in India.
Rashmi Verma, Secretary in Ministry of Tourism, said, "We find now that more and more people are going for experimental kind of tourism. The biggest challenge that we are facing is that even at our iconic sites like Taj Mahal we are not able to make people stay for more than one night. Most of the tourists go there in the morning and come back by night. What we find that in and around our iconic tourist sites if a golf course is created, people can actually go to the sites enjoy the golf course stay there for three to four days, spend a lot of money. This would also create a lot of employment for the locals and help them generate income."
Promoting golf culture and attracting tourists would need about 100 new golf courses in the country. It is felt that this will not only help attract tourists and generate revenue for the states, but also open new job opportunities for the youth.
India has about 220 golf courses in which 25 are signature golf courses that are at par with international standards. Besides, several private resorts and golf courses are providing its guests with world's best amenities like great dining experience, open-air jacuzzis along with the golfing facilities.
Located on the outskirts of capital New Delhi, the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort promises some of the most stunning views of the beautiful 18-hole golf course. Rajan Segal, President of Indian Golf Tourism Association said, "Golf needs a good weather and in India out of 365 days average 324 are good sun light days which is very rare in the world. This is very important for golf."
Vikram Sethi, a well-known golf coach, foresees a bright future for golf in India. He believes an aggressive promotion will help attract world golfers to the country.
"We have golf courses all over the country and some of them are with excellent facilities. In Northern India, Delhi is the city with maximum number of golf courses while in South, Bangalore has some very good courses. Pune has very good courses too in the Western India. Though East side might be a little weak but we have the oldest clubs there. It just a question of being able to promote these golf courses", said Vikram Sethi.
With golf courses spreading to every nook and corner of India and the growing popularity of the sport together with sightseeing of the sports - Golf enthusiasts are looking forward to visiting India for a holiday that goes beyond the tees and greens. (ANI)