Srinagar, October 12, 2025 – In a vibrant celebration of sport and scenic beauty, the inaugural Kashmir Golf League was officially launched today at the breathtaking Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar. The event, attended by golf enthusiasts, local dignitaries, and tourism officials, marks a significant step toward positioning Kashmir as a premier destination for golf tourism in India.The Kashmir Golf League, a professional-amateur hybrid tournament, promises to bring together top golfers from across the country and beyond to compete on one of Asia’s most picturesque golf courses. Designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 18-hole, par-72 Royal Springs Golf Course – nestled at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains overlooking the iconic Dal Lake – offers a challenging yet mesmerizing layout that tests precision, strategy, and endurance. The course, commissioned in 2001 and managed by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (J&K TDC), features rare cork oaks planted by Maharaja Hari Singh before 1947, adding a historical touch to its natural splendor. The inauguration ceremony, graced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J&K Tourism Director Nisar Ahmad Wani, kicked off with a ceremonial tee-off.
“The Kashmir Golf League is more than just a tournament; it’s a testament to our valley’s resilience and untapped potential in sports tourism,” said Abdullah. “With events like this, we’re inviting the world to experience Kashmir‘s unparalleled beauty while swinging for glory on world-class greens.” Wani echoed the sentiment, highlighting how the league aligns with J&K’s push to diversify tourism offerings beyond adventure and heritage, emphasizing golf as a year-round attractor.Organized by the newly formed Kashmir Golf Association in partnership with the Royal Springs Golf Club, the KGL will feature a 54-hole format over three days, with categories for professionals, amateurs, and a special junior division to nurture young talent. Prize money totaling INR 50 lakhs, including a grand prize of INR 10 lakhs for the overall champion, has already drawn entries from over 150 players. The league also incorporates eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation measures and waste reduction, in line with the course’s pristine environment.This launch builds on the momentum from recent golf events at Royal Springs, including the historic PAR 3 MASTERS Pitch & Putt tournament in September 2025, which drew widespread acclaim for showcasing Kashmir‘s readiness for international golf competitions. Hospitality partners like the Ahad Group of Hotels and The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa – fresh off hosting the successful Khyber Cup in 2024 – are offering exclusive packages combining league access with luxury stays in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, further boosting golf tourism. As the sun set over the Chashme Shahi gardens – a Mughal-era jewel adjacent to the course – participants and guests enjoyed a gala dinner featuring Kashmiri cuisine and live cultural performances. The Kashmir Golf League is set to tee off its first round tomorrow, October 13, with live streaming available on the J&K Tourism YouTube channel.With Kashmir‘s golf season running from April to November, the KGL is poised to become an annual highlight, rivaling established tournaments and drawing global attention to the region’s emerald fairways and tranquil vibes. For more details and registration, visit jktourism.org or follow #KashmirGolfLeague on social media.
