Kodaikanal Golf Club

About:

Kodaikanal Golf Club has a 18 hole, par 71 Golf course. It is located at a cool altitude of 7,000 feet about 6 kilometres south west from the center of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, South India. This course is notable for its frequently seen wildlife. It is on Golf links Road near the popular view point ‘Suicide Point’ (Green Valley View) and 3 kilometres before the Pillar Rocks viewpoint and flower garden. Kodaikanal is a private membership club with over 600 members.One Non-members are allowed to play the full 18 holes by becoming temporary members or by paying the required green fees. Non-members must have a handicap or take lessons before they play here. The course is closed April 15 to June 15.
Total length of the course is 6426 yards. An 18 hole, par 66 course, it is laid over natural grasslands and is criss-crossed by streams. The fun loving British were the architects of the course; the course and the clubhouse are situated on Golf links Road connecting the Kochi road, near the famous tourist attraction view point ‘Suicide Point’ or ‘Green Valley View’. The course with its well furnished club house recently gave up the 19th hole, for the license was too costly. Some of the finest greens adorn the course like emeralds; one can play the full 18 holes here. The spread of the course is about 150 acres.

The jungle which runs very close to the course attracts wild animals sometimes. Wild boars are commonly sighted in herds. Tigers used to be sighted near the 6th hole, and the hole itself is named ‘Tiger Hole’. Some of the other holes are also given very interesting names, depending on the challenges they offer the golfer. The 4th hole is called the Devil’s Dip, for the fairway from the tee-box to the green is a solid dip, which runs on as far as one’s sight can carry. The 12th hole, due to the strenuousness of the walk and the stroke, is called the ‘Cardiac Hole’. A hard hitters’ course, the thirteenth green is not visible from the tee box. The 15th hole, which has the longest yardage of 587 yards, needs two good shots to sight the green. The entire course takes about 3 hours to play all the holes.

Location info:

Address:Kodaikanal,Dindigul, Tamil Nadu,,India

District:Dindigul

Nearest City:Madurai 121 km

Best time to visit: April to June, and September to October, but can be visited throughout the year.

Climate/Weather:

Summer – 19.80°C Winter – 17.30°C

History:

The club was established on June 17, 1895 by twelve British golfers. They were also the architects of the course. In the early years, members were British and American civil servants and missionaries. During the fifties it became a club tradition for the annual Captaincy to rotate between an Indian, an American and a Commonwealth citizen. This tradition continued until the late 70’s, when the local expatriate population diminished.Originally there were only 9 holes and the putting surfaces were browns. In the early fifties the course was extended to 18 holes. In 1986 the putting surfaces were relaid with greens.

Interesting things to Visit:

Silver falls:This is the first attraction that unfolds in front of a tourist on the Madurai – Kodaikanal road. The excess water in the Kodai Lake comes down as a fall at about 8 kms from Kodaikanal. It is like a pit stop for vehicles and tourists as there are shops selling fruits and other forest products.Kodaikanal – Lake:One of the main attractions for the tourists of Kodaikanal is the Kodai lake which is at a distance of 3kms from the bus stand. In 1863, Vera Levinge, a former District Collector of Madurai settled in Kodaikanal after his retirement. He was the man of resource and creative ideas for this lake. By spending his own money he converted the marshy land with several streams of lake by constructing a strong bund and brought boats from Tuticorin. It is reported that the foreign resident’s even used to swim in the lake.Docter’s Delight (3 kms): Beyond the Pillar rocks is an old bluff on the way to Berijam Lake which commands a fine view.

Silver Cascade : The water falls may be seen as the tourist approaches Kodaikanal by the main Ghat road, it lies 8 kms away from the town.

Fishers Seat : (2 kms from Shenbaganur) is a curiously conical now in runis, erched on a precipice. From there one can see clouds raising above the jungle 3000 ft. below.

Dolphins Nose : (8 kms) From where one needs a good nerve to look at the yawning chasm below.

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Kodai Road.

Nearest Airport:Madurai (120)

Road Transport:Kodaikanal is well connected by road with the major cities and towns of the state

Nearest Visiting places:

. Kulkkal Cave : It is a favourite camping site ideal for trekking. It is 40 kms from Kodaikanal.Berijam Lake (21 kms): This lake supplies drinking water to Periakulam Town. It is of special attraction to anglers. The scenery around here is beautiful.Madurai:Madurai or is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva’s locks gave the city its name – ‘Madhurapuri’, now known as “Madurai”.Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi Temple, one of India’s biggest Temples which is dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. Exquisite sculptures, hall of thousand pillars, icons, photographs & illustrations make this Temple a famous tourist spot. The Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

misty holidays
seven road junction, 14, bender lock road, kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101- 09943942996Kodai Resort
Coaker’s walk, Kodaikanal, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu -04542 240632
Kodai International Hotel
Post Box 33 17/328 Laws Ghat Road Kodaikanal

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:Police Station MaduraiPolice Station Dindigul

Nearest Hospital:Madurai,Dindigul

Society/Community Phone NumberKodaikanal Golf Club, Golflinks Road, Kodaikanal 624 103, Tamil NaduTelephone 91-4542-40323