Shillong Golf Course
Introduction to Shillong Golf Course: The Shillong Golf Course, affectionately known as the 'Gleneagle of the East' due to its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, is a globally renowned 18-hole course. Situated at a high altitude of about 5,200 feet above sea level, it is considered one of the ol dest, longest, and highest natural golf courses in Asia. Its history traces back to 1898 when it was established as a 9-hole course by a group of British Civil Service Officers. It was later converted to the full 18-hole course in 1924, thanks to the efforts of Captain Jackson and C.K. Rhodes. The course is laid out in a sprawling, verdant valley surrounded by majestic tall pine and rhododendron trees, offering breathtaking, picturesque views that appeal to golfers and casual visitors alike. The natural fairways are carpeted with a unique indigenous grass species that provides a challenging play surface. Beyond golf, the area functions as a vast, beautiful public space for morning walks and is a peaceful escape from the city. The course's stunning natural landscape and historical significance are what cement its place as a top attraction in Shillong. It regularly hosts regional tournaments, attracting professional golfers and spectators, contributing significantly to its reputation. The air quality here is exceptionally clean, making it a perfect spot for nature walks and outdoor activities. It embodies the 'Scotland of the East' moniker of Shillong perfectly with its rolling green hills and misty mornings.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 Hours (For a casual walk/viewing) or Full Day (For playing a round of golf):Place Type:
Sporting & Scenic Attraction: Golf Course, NaturEntry Fees:
Entry for General Visitors: The grounds surrounding the course are often used as a public park/walking area, which generally has No Entry Fee for casual visitors to walk on the perimeter paths, but this is subject to local club rules.
Golfing Gr...Entry for General Visitors: The grounds surrounding the course are often used as a public park/walking area, which generally has No Entry Fee for casual visitors to walk on the perimeter paths, but this is subject to local club rules.
Golfing Green Fees: For playing a full 18-hole round, the green fees are significant and highly variable. For Indian nationals, the fees can range from Rs.500 to Rs.1500 for a full round, while foreign nationals are charged substantially more, often in the range of Rs.2000 to Rs.3500 or higher.
Caddy and Equipment Fees: Additional compulsory fees will apply for hiring a caddy (essential for new players) and for renting golf equipment (clubs, balls, buggy), which can add several hundred to thousands of rupees to the total cost. Membership vs.
Guest: The lowest fees are reserved for members of the Shillong Club. Non-members must pay the higher guest/visitor rates. Check with the Shillong Club for the most current and specific price structure. :Timing:
Regular Timings: The course is open from sunrise to sunset for golfing, typically from around 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, seven days a week, though the clubhouse and pro shop may have slightly shorter hours.
Ideal Visit Time for Scenery: The best ti...Regular Timings: The course is open from sunrise to sunset for golfing, typically from around 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM, seven days a week, though the clubhouse and pro shop may have slightly shorter hours.
Ideal Visit Time for Scenery: The best time to visit for the stunning scenery and tranquility is the very early morning, between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, to experience the dew, the mist, and the peaceful atmosphere before the golfers begin their rounds.
Ideal Visit Time for Golf: The best time for a round of golf is in the morning, starting around 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, to ensure a comfortable pace of play and to finish before the late afternoon chill sets in.
Seasonal Variation: In winter, the morning hours can be quite chilly, so a later start (around 9:00 AM) might be more comfortable, while in summer, an early start is essential to avoid the midday sun. :Special Events:
The Shillong Annual Golf Tournament: The course is the traditional venue for the annual prestigious golf tournament, often held in November or December, attracting top regional and national golfers. This event is a major highlight, transforming the course into a lively soci...The Shillong Annual Golf Tournament: The course is the traditional venue for the annual prestigious golf tournament, often held in November or December, attracting top regional and national golfers. This event is a major highlight, transforming the course into a lively social and sporting hub.
New Year's Day Celebration: The wide, open grounds surrounding the club and course are often used as a gathering point for local families for large picnics and small, community celebrations on public holidays like New Year's Day, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Local Fair/Exhibition: Occasionally, the peripheral grounds host local trade fairs or horticultural exhibitions, leveraging the beautiful open space to attract large public attendance for community events focused on regional products and flora, often tied to a major local festival. :Best Photo Spots:
The 18th Hole Panorama: The view from the final hole or near the clubhouse offers a panoramic vista of the entire, sprawling course, perfectly capturing the undulating green landscape framed by the dense pine trees, ideal for a wide-angle landscape shot.
Read MoreThe 18th Hole Panorama: The view from the final hole or near the clubhouse offers a panoramic vista of the entire, sprawling course, perfectly capturing the undulating green landscape framed by the dense pine trees, ideal for a wide-angle landscape shot.
The Pine Border Walkway: The paths that run along the dense border of the pine forest offer dramatic contrast, with the dark, textured trees framing the bright green grass, perfect for atmospheric, moody, or artistic photographs.
Mist and Greens: The absolute best photo spot is the course when the morning mist is still hanging low over the dew-covered greens, creating an ethereal, soft-focus landscape that is truly unique to this high-altitude location.
Clubhouse Historical Facade: The colonial facade of the old clubhouse, with its unique architectural style, provides an excellent, historical backdrop for a commemorative group or portrait photo, reflecting the course's long history. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Morning Walks and Jogging: The vast expanse of green is an ideal, tranquil spot for a refreshing morning walk, jog, or light exercise, popular with locals and a great way to start the day in Shillong's clean air.
Golfing Experience: For avid golfers, playing an 18-hole round is the main draw, offering a challenging yet highly rewarding experience on a historic and high-altitude natural course, an essential activity for any golfing itinerary in India.
Scenic Photography: The stunning panoramic views of the rolling greens, the bordering pine forests, and the surrounding hills provide endless opportunities for landscape and nature photography, especially during the misty mornings or golden hour.
Clubhouse and Amenities: Non-golfers can often visit the perimeter or t...
Information
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Why Famous:
Gleneagle of the East: Its primary fame comes from the title bestowed upon it by the United States Golf Association, recognizing its exceptional natural beauty, high altitude, and challenging course layout, making it a globally recognized course.Gleneagle of the East: Its primary fame comes from the title bestowed upon it by the United States Golf Association, recognizing its exceptional natural beauty, high altitude, and challenging course layout, making it a globally recognized course.
Highest and Oldest in Asia: It is one of the highest altitude golf courses in Asia (over 5,000 feet) and one of the oldest in the world, with its origins tracing back to the late 19th century, drawing golf history enthusiasts.
Breathtaking Scenery: Beyond golf, it is a renowned natural scenic spot in Shillong, characterized by its expansive rolling greens, bordered by majestic pine trees, and often shrouded in a picturesque mist, making it a favorite for nature lovers and photographers. The serene environment contrasts sharply with the city's commercial areas. Its fame is a combination of sporting prestige, historical depth, and sheer natural splendor, making it a key identifier of the Shillong landscape and the "Scotland of the East" identity. : -
Architecture:
Historical British Design and Terrain: The architecture of the Shillong Golf Course is fundamentally a natural, links-style design, a hallmark of early British golf course construction. The architects, Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes, cleverly utilized the naturally undul...Historical British Design and Terrain: The architecture of the Shillong Golf Course is fundamentally a natural, links-style design, a hallmark of early British golf course construction. The architects, Captain Jackson and C. K. Rhodes, cleverly utilized the naturally undulating terrain of the Khasi Hills valley, which meant minimal earth moving and maximum use of the existing topography, creating a truly challenging and unique course.
Dimensions are impressive: it is an 18-hole, Par 70 course, spanning approximately 6,081 yards (about 5. 56 kilometers) in length. It is spread over a vast area of around 121 acres. The 'architecture' includes the design of the course itself, featuring tight fairways bordered by dense pine groves, demanding high precision from golfers.
Clubhouse Architecture: The associated Shillong Club clubhouse features a classic colonial-era design. The building is typically made of wood or simple stone masonry, with pitched, often corrugated tin roofs, reflecting the practical and simple yet charming architectural style of the British hill stations. It focuses on functionality, offering basic amenities like changing rooms, a pro shop, and a lounge area for members, and it retains a vintage, old-world charm that contrasts with modern facilities. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Guwahati (GAU) (120 KMS). From there, take a shared taxi or private cab to Shillong. The course is a known landmark, and all local taxis can take you directly there from the city center (Police Bazar), which is about a 15-20 minute driv... -
Near Tourist Places:
Polo Ground (0.
5 KMS): A large, historic open ground used for sports, festivals, and military parades, located right next to the course. Wards Lake (1.
2 KMS): A picturesque lake and park, a short drive or slightly longer walk away. State Central Library (2.
5 KMS): A historical institution located near the city center. St. Edmund's College (1.
5 KMS): One of Shillong's most famous and historic educational institutions.
Shillong Peak (7 KMS): The city's highest point for panoramic views. Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (2.
5 KMS): The magnificent blue cathedral.
Don Bosco Museum (4 KMS): The regional museum of indigenous cultures.
Laitumkhrah Market (
2 KMS): A busy, fashionable local market for food and shopping. Police Bazar (P. B.
) (4 KMS): The central hub of the city.
Lady Hydari Park (4 KMS): The Japanese garden and mini zoo. :
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: The altitude is high, so take it easy if you are walking the full course. The course has uneven terrain; wear appropriate golfing or sturdy walking shoes. Stay off the actual fairways while golfers are playing, especially when the flags are up, to avoid b...
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