KARACHI GOLF CLUB

THE PREMIER GOLF CLUB OF PAKISTAN

Founded over 100 years ago by the British enthusiasts, this Club came into existence as an extension of the Sindh Club of Karachi and was located where the Plaza Hotel stands near the Cantonment Railway Station. In fact, the road behind the American Consul General’s residence is still known as the Golf Road. The playing area of this Club extended to what is now the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

The Karachi Golf Club at its present location came into existence around 1958. this was a desert course where barren land served as fairways while the putting surface, made up of fine sand blended with diesel oil, served as the ‘Green’ known then as ‘Chocolates’. Interestingly enough, because of its uniqueness even then, it was rated amongst the 100 interesting golf courses in the world. Incidentally the courses at KGC have been designed by internationally renowned golf architect Mr Peter Harradine.

Some changes and improvements since then have been brought about by a group of dedicated, veteran, playing members of the Karachi Golf Club under the patronage of Pakistan Navy. Much to the consternation of detractors and the delight of most golfers, the entire course was embellished with thousands of trees, plants, creepers and flowerbeds. Because the fairways and greens are regularly irrigated by recycled sewerage water, we manage to retain the lush green verdure round the year.

By the middle of the 1990’s, we had completed a sprawling 27 holes golf course, spread over 217 acres, with a par 72 over any two of the three layouts. The three courses are known as blue, yellow and the red course. The red and blue courses boast of some long par fives which go beyond 600 yards. Punctuated by fairway bunkers and occasional cactus in the middle of the fairways, sand-traps surrounding the Greens and water hazards challenge the golfers’ skills all the time. If you hit hard, long and straight, you will love this course. Yellow Course is comparatively shorter in length but is dotted by lateral and other water hazards which make this one of the most daunting of the three courses. High handicappers need not venture on the yellow course unless they are prepared to see a lot of their balls disappearing in water hazards.

Tee surfaces are beautifully kept, fairways are padded and a joy to walk on, and the greens most of the time, are soft & fast. Some undulating green surfaces will challenge the best golfers’ putting skills.

Karachi Golf Club has hosted many national open golf championships and the Asian Masters. Because Karachi city is located along Arabian Sea, there is a strong sea breeze most of the times, all the year round, after 3:00 in the afternoon. A slight slice or hook and your ball swings and swerves with the pressure of the sea breeze and you land in the rough. You have to, therefore, give reasonable margin for the breeze if you are not too sure about your driving skills.

Club house at Karachi Golf Club is among the best in the country. Tastefully furnished and centrally air-conditioned with huge tinted glass windows. You get a panoramic view of not just the Course but also of an equally carefully laid out and manicured garden. Club’s Catering facilities are second to none. The brunch organized for members and their families every Sunday is largely attended and appreciated by them. Then, there is an air-conditioned, beautifully laid out and well-furnished changing room with hot and cold showers. Additionally roof-top Governor’s gallery and the snacks in the garden at NDFC lawn are a delight to relax and enjoy.

A fairly well-stocked pro-shop is there for those who want to hire equipment which includes not only the golf bags and clubs but also shoes and gloves. Caddies, in large numbers, are available all the time to carry bag or pull the trolley for a nominal fee. Golf cars are also available for hire.

Above all, the exclusive ambience and friendly atmosphere of the Karachi Golf Club is what the membership takes their pride in.