Did you know that the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is not just a golf club? It is a living museum of golfing history. Established in 1829, the Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the oldest golf club in India. It is also the oldest outside Great Britain.
Originally, the club was near the Calcutta airport. It then moved to the Maidan. Finally, in 1910, it settled in its current location at Tollygunge. Imagine British officers and civilians longing for a taste of home. They founded the club to pursue their beloved sport on Indian soil.
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club earned its royal title in 1911. King George V and Queen Mary bestowed this honor upon the club. This commemorated their visit to Calcutta. The club proudly preserves much of its history within its clubhouse.
Initially, the course was exclusively for gentlemen. Ladies were reluctantly admitted in 1886. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club started with a nine-hole course in Dum Dum. Later, two nine-hole courses opened in the Maidan area. The Dum Dum facility closed in 1897. One of the Maidan courses closed or was modified with the arrival of the Victoria Memorial. The second Maidan course closed in 1939.
With the Dum Dum course gone the committee searched for a new site. They looked primarily around the Tollygunge Club area. In 1907, they confirmed the present location. Work began even though land acquisition was slow. The area consisted mainly of paddy fields. Funds were raised by issuing debentures. The annual subscription increased from Rs.30 to Rs.60. The entrance fee rose from Rs.70 to Rs.75.
The initial nine-hole course opened on November 20, 1910. The 18-hole course became fully operational on December 22, 1912. J.A. Tassie and J.A. Anderson designed the course. Both were members of the club.
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club built another 18-hole course due to increased membership. By 1923, 11 holes were open. By 1925, a full additional 18-hole course was operational. Like St. Andrews in Scotland, they named them the old course and new course. Both courses were busy until the 1960s.
After the rupee’s devaluation many expatriates left the country. The period from 1967 to 1972 was difficult. Skirmishes occurred around the course. In 1972, the committee reluctantly shut down the new course. They sold part of the land to CMDA. Peter Thomson redesigned the course. It forms the basis for today’s layout.
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club has hosted many prestigious events. These include the Indian Open. Renowned golfers have played here. Walter Hagen, Peter Thompson and Payne Stewart have graced the fairways. The club’s own greats include I.S. Malik, Ashok Malik and Jeev Milkha Singh.
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club’s course was originally paddy fields. The course is very flat. Committees have added mounds and planted trees. Water tanks and natural hazards are conspicuous features. Greens are small with tricky undulations. The course looks deceptively easy from the tee. Its strength lies in its par fours. Scoring requires good long and medium irons.
The vintage Bar at 19th offers golfers relaxation after their game. It opens to the golf greens. The restored arches enhance the building’s heritage. Royal Calcutta Golf Club is more than a golf course. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the sport. It is a vibrant part of Kolkata’s heritage.