The Ootacamund Gymkhana Club, situated on the rolling Wenlock Downs at a height of 7000 ft above sea level, is one of the finest natural golf courses in the world. With the Avalanchi range in the surrounding and heavily wooded treeline that consists of Eucalyptus, Oak, Rhododendron, Gorse Bush and Fir, Ootacamund Gymkhana Club is a very challenging course to play in the midst of thick woods.
The altitude adds a good 7% distance to your average distance so a 150 yard 7 iron would travel 160 yards plus. This 18-hole par 70 course is 6208 yards long & is spread over 193 acres.A unique factor on this course is that off the tee 9 of the 18 holes are blind. The course is open 7 days a week, except during tournaments.
The Originator of the Golf Course was Colonel Ross.Thompson, R.E.in the year 1889. He was the Executive Engineer Nilgiris District.
In 1891 Colonel Fane Sewell, the Honorary Secretary of the Club, obtained the permission of the Municipal Council, who was the cstodian of the ground to form on it a Golf Course with nine holes, the name Gymkhana Golf Club came into existence in the year 1896. In 1905 to conduct the Amateur Golf Challenge.
Cup, which is now called the South India open Amateur Championship , it was then decided to increase the number of Holes in the Golf Course to Eighteen.
The first Winner of the Championship was Capt. Chalmers in 1902. Since then Major tournaments were conducted every year and leading Golfers of our Country have won many tournaments and have commented that Ootacamund Golf Course is one of the best Golf Course in our Country because of its peculiar conditions.
The image shows the magnificent view of the current clubhouse.
The renovations had transformed the already dynamic building into an atmospheric and unique venue capable of hosting everything from a relaxing, post-golf hangout spot, to a a great venue capable of accommodating great teams. Visit the clubhouse to get a closer glimpse of the beautiful view.
source: http://ootygymkhana.club/