Kodaikanal Golf Club

The club was established on 17 June 1895^[3] 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.^[1] 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.^[4] The clubhouse, named the Centenary Building, was renovated in 1995.^[5]

The Kodaikanal Golf club is a private membership club with over 600 members.^[1] The club has a range of facilities available for the recreation, entertainment and comfort of its guests. The main facility is the 18 hole golf course described below. There is a practice net for driving practice and a designated putting practice area.

Inside the clubhouse, for group activities there is a 12-seat conference room, a card games room, a billiards Room, a members lounge with fireplace, a BYOB bar and a dining hall. For members visiting from a distance, there is lodging available, including 2 super deluxe rooms, 2 deluxe rooms and 2 standard rooms.^[5][6]

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.^[4] The course is closed 15 April to 15 June.^[3]

This 18 hole, par 71 course covers about 150 acres (61 ha). Total length of the course is 6,426 yards (5,876 m) Some holes have interesting alternative names, depending on the challenges they offer to golfers. The 4th hole is also called the Devil's Dip, as the fairway from the tee-box to the green is a solid dip, which runs on as far as the eye can see. The 6th hole is named Tiger Hole because Tigers used to be sighted near it. The 12th hole is called the Cardiac Hole, due to the strenuousness of the walk. A "hard hitters" course, the 13th Twister green is not visible from the tee box. The 15th hole (New Long'un) which has the longest yardage of 587 yards (537 m), needs two long shots to sight the green.^[2]

It takes about 3 hours to play the entire course.^[2]