SAARC Nations Golf tournament concludes
Six more golf courses being developed in the state: Secy Tourism
The Pakistani nationals who were part of the SAARC Nations Golf tournament were bewitched with the Kashmir beauty. The Pakistani golfers did not only praise golf course in Kashmir but also appreciated culture, heritage, art and craft besides hospitable nature of the people here.SAARC Nations Golf Tournament which began on October 8 concluded here today at Royal Springs Golf Course which featured 24 Pakistani nationals.
The tour for the golfers was organized by Pash India Travel Company and tournament was played at Pahalgam, Gulmarg golf courses before the last and the concluding stage was played RSGC. CNE Holidays provided logistic support during their trip in Kashmir.
The tournament which was to be played last year was cancelled due to floods. The participants from Pakistan who had visited Kashmir had to return back without staying here.
However, the Pakistani golfers showed keen interest to visit Kashmir again and play the tournament on the beautiful greens here.
Sadia Mahmood of Lahore was more than willing to visit Kashmir again after her trip was cut short last year.
“We came here last year but due had to return back due to floods. We were very eager to come to this place again as we found it very beautiful,” said Sadia whose forefathers were from Kashmir.
The Pakistani tourists did not only play golf but got to see local heritage mosques including Hazratbal Shrine, Jamia Masjid, Aali Masjid besides having Shikara ride in Dal Lake.
“We enjoyed our stay in Kashmir. We did not only like the place but the culture also. We felt like we are in home here. The people here are very hospitable which really touched us,” says Sadia.
Local handicraft has also attracted them as they shopped for Kashmirl Shawls. The tourism department did not let them down either which gifted some of the golfers with Kashmir Samawar as a memento.
“Now, we will ask other fellows in our home to visit Kashmir. I think LoC should be used not only for trade but for tourism and travel also. Many Pakistanis will want to visit this place to see historical mosques,” she suggested.
Another golfer Sardar Murad Khan said that he has played at many golfing destinations but he found golf courses in Kashmir very beautiful.
“You have most beautiful golf courses. In fact, every place here is very beautiful which should be exploited for tourism,” said Khan.
Secretary tourism Farooq A Shah who was the chief guest at the closing and prize distribution ceremony appreciated the resolve of the golfers to visit Kashmir again.
He said Kashmir will be developed as the top golfing destination not only in India but in the world.
“We already have highest beautiful golf course at hill stations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Royal Springs Golf Course is only top raked course in South Asia. We will also have six more golf courses including one at Yousmarg and Sonmarg,” he said.
Shah informed that by October next year, they will also inaugurate the golf course in Leh which will be world’s highest golf course.
He said Chief Minister Mohammad Sayeed is keen to develop tourism in state.
