Surely protected and hidden by the mighty Himalayas, the stunning mountain kingdom Bhutan or Druk Yul – the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ – is lodged firmly between Tibet and India. Remote, unknown, and blissfully untouched for centuries, the Buddhist nation finally opened its doors to tourists in 1974.
One of the highest and most remote golf courses in the world, the Royal Thimphu Golf Club is situated in the Eastern Himalayas, just outside the tiny Himalayan kingdom’s capital city, Thimphu. The beautiful 9-hole course sits beside the spectacular Tashichho Dzong – the seat of government since 1952, it presently houses the throne room and offices of the King, Secretariat, and Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance.
The course was established in the early 1970s by an officer of the Indian Army. The limited membership here mainly comprises government officials and diplomats. Visitors can play the course with a day fee of _________ US dollars, including club rental. The Club hosts several events all year round including the Bhutan Open and the Indian Embassy-sponsored Maruti Open.
Since this is a small course, two sets of tees are allotted to every hole to allow for a complete 18-hole round. Manmade water hazards come into play at four of the holes. The balls may vanish into the dense grassy rough but the 2500m altitude certainly helps the ball fly nicely!
While the views to soaring mountains are incomparable, it is, however, the striking Tashichho Dzong that dominates your view as you tee off. And where in the world could you spot a handicap list fixed to the clubhouse window that reads “His Majesty, 13.2” at the top!?
The Royal Thimphu Golf Club is an interesting and challenging course, and golf play here is delightful because the cultural experience and architecture it offers is unlike anywhere else. This is an unforgettable golf destination for the passionate golf traveller.
