Review of Bangalore Golf Club The Bangalore Golf Club (BGC) is not just a golf course; it's a historic institution and a serene green haven located in the heart of the city. Situated near High Grounds and Palace Grounds, and adjacent to Sophia High School, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest golf clubs outside the British Isles, with a legacy dating back to 1876. The Golf Course Itself • A Challenging Urban Course: The BGC is a beautifully maintained 18-hole course that, despite its compact 60-acre size, offers a challenging and rewarding experience. The course is cleverly designed with undulating fairways, two water bodies, and strategically placed bunkers. It demands precision and a good short game, making it a great course for players to hone their skills. • Meticulous Maintenance: The course is known for its well-maintained fairways (Buffalo grass) and greens (Bermuda grass). Golfers often praise the course condition, which is a significant achievement given its central urban location. The greens can play fast, adding an extra layer of challenge. • A Green Oasis: One of the most remarkable aspects of the BGC is its ability to create a tranquil, green environment in the middle of a bustling metropolis. The lush landscape and quiet setting provide a welcome escape from city life. Facilities and Amenities The Bangalore Golf Club offers a wide array of facilities that go far beyond just golf, catering to the social and recreational needs of its members. • Accommodation: The club provides lodging in both its Old and New Club Houses. These rooms offer a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with stunning views of the golf course. It's a highly sought-after mini-vacation venue for members and their guests. • Food & Beverage: The club has multiple restaurants and bars. The "Birdie Bar" is a favorite among members for post-game socializing. The cuisine is often praised for its quality and variety, providing a fine dining experience. • Sports and Wellness: The BGC has excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, two world-class gyms, and spaces for yoga classes. It also has a salon and spa for members to relax and rejuvenate after a round of golf. • Events and Banquets: With its scenic grounds and well-equipped banquet halls, the club is a popular venue for hosting private events, parties, and corporate functions. Membership and Exclusive Access • Elite and Exclusive: Membership at the Bangalore Golf Club is highly exclusive and is often based on proposal and seconding by existing permanent members. There are different types of memberships available, including permanent, temporary, and corporate. • Reciprocal Agreements: BGC has affiliations with numerous other prestigious clubs both in India and abroad. This allows its members to enjoy the facilities of affiliated clubs when traveling and provides a similar privilege to members of those clubs when visiting Bangalore. Conclusion The Bangalore Golf Club is an iconic landmark that beautifully marries heritage with modern luxury. It's not a place for the casual golfer but a distinguished institution for its members and their guests. The core of its appeal lies in its pristine, challenging golf course and its ability to provide a serene, private community in the city center. For those with access, it offers an unparalleled experience, blending a passion for golf with a sophisticated social and...
Read moreThe Bangalore Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in India (established in 1876), is a timeless gem located in the heart of the city. It offers a world-class experience to golf enthusiasts, blending heritage, serenity, and exceptional facilities – a true 5-star destination for both sport and leisure.
The 18-hole course is beautifully maintained with lush fairways, mature trees, and challenging greens that offer a rewarding experience for players of all levels. Despite being in the middle of a bustling city, the course feels peaceful and refreshing, making every game feel like a getaway.
What sets BGC apart is its rich legacy and disciplined atmosphere. The clubhouse reflects colonial charm and is equipped with modern amenities including locker rooms, a pro shop, and a well-appointed lounge. The dining area serves delicious food with a wide range of options, both Indian and continental, perfect for relaxing after a round of golf.
Staff and caddies are well-trained, courteous, and ensure the experience is smooth and enjoyable. The practice range and putting greens are excellent for those looking to hone their skills. The club also hosts various tournaments and social events throughout the year, making it a vibrant hub for the golf community.
Membership is prestigious, and the exclusivity adds to the overall premium feel of the club. Visitors accompanied by members are welcomed with equal warmth and professionalism.
In summary, the Bangalore Golf Club is not just a sporting venue, but a blend of tradition, luxury, and green calm in the middle of an urban landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a first-time visitor, the experience here is nothing short...
Read moreBGC is the oldest golf course outside of the British Isles. Established on a summer evening on June 24th of 1876, the land was previously used by an army regiment as a rifle range & training area. The course started with a 12 hole design & was transformed many a time, the last being a redesign in 2000.
The annual tournaments between BGC & the Madras Gymkhana club (started in 1878) are the oldest inter-club annual matches anywhere in the world. In 2002, the fully redesigned course was opened & had the distinction of being one of the few courses in India that pioneered the use of recycled effluent water for irrigation of trees, fairways & greens. During the redesign, the brief was to accommodate a 18 hole course in a 60 acre plot ( a rather tight squeeze), with a minimum of criss-crossing & without cutting a single tree.
Phil Ryan, a gentle, soft spoken civil engineer turned golf architect, who has vast experience working across Asia, finally came up with a “new plan” which gained universal acceptance. The new plan set in a totally restructured & landscaped course, that is tight & calls for a premium on accuracy with the huge tree cover & is a treat to play. Of the total cost of nearly INR 40 mn, 90% was generated from the internal resources of the Club & the rest by generous donations from industrial houses & individuals. The course currently plays to a 6118 yardage from the men’s tees as a Par 70, 18 hole course. BGC, along with Bangalore Club, is one of the oldest & prestigious social clubs in Bangalore, with few thousand...
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