Jammu, Sept 2: Aimed at wooing influx of tourists from across the world especially after the revocation of Article 370, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism is taking several measures by organizing gala events and as a part of these initiatives, a five-day long Professional Golf Tournament in India (PGTI) is being organised at the scenic 18-hole international standard Jammu Tawi Golf Course from October 4.
More than 120 golfers from across the country will be taking part in the prestigious tournament teeing off from October 4 and concluding on October 8.
Jammu and Kashmir Tourism last year as well hosted the maiden Professional Golf Tournament in India (PGTI) event at this venue, which remained a huge success that earned them to become the host for the second consecutive year.
Special Secretary Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir government, Amarjit Singh speaking to media here at a press conference at Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC) club on Saturday morning said, “it is an honour for us that we are hosting the second edition of the PGTI starting from October 4 that will conclude on October 8 with a Pro Am event.”
He said that 126 golfers of national and international repute will participate in the prestigious event.
He was flanked by Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekananda Rai, Secretary, JTGC, Manav Gupta, Joint Director, Jammu Tourism, Sunaina Mehta and PGTI representative Vikas.
“The tournament will not only exploit the potential of local and budding golfers but will also provide opportunity to them in learning the skills vis-à-vis bringing a boom in the tourism sector,” said Singh.
The Special Secretary said, “it is not less than a privilege for the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department that the JTGC has yet again been the first choice for the PGTI to host this tournament of international standard,” adding, “we have five international standard golf courses in Jammu and Kashmir and with a motive to tap the potential of tourism, such events are very helpful and we are sure that golfers through PGTI will definitely be our brand ambassadors across the country and the world with a message of normalcy.”
Tourism Jammu, Vivekananda Rai stated, “the government is giving special impetus to golf tourism and this tournament will surely be resourceful in meeting our aspirations.”
“We are promoting various forms of tourism to attract more tourists in the Jammu region for which the administration is taking adequate steps and focus towards golf tourism is among them,” he said.
Rai said that the golfers will not only participate in the tournament but also carry along a message of peace and harmony on behalf of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to their native places.
Secretary, JTGC, Manav Gupta said that the event likewise previous year is going to be a game changer for professional and budding golfers in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu Tawi Golf Course is an 18-hole course of international standard spread in 1400 kanals and the PGTI (controlling body of Professional Golf Tour in India) team last year after inspection, declared the venue fit and signaled green for the event,” Gupta said.
He added, “this event will help Jammu scale new heights in terms of a golfing destination for national and international players,” adding he said that surrounded by heritage structures like Amar Mahal, Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort, the rich flora of the JTGC which is a result of continuous plantation every year has created an ecological niche, to say the least.
Gupta said that few pre-events to involve the local population into the golf are also being planned before the PGTI matches to motivate and inspire them for the game.
Joint Director, Jammu Tourism, Sunaina Mehta revealed that the Jammu Tourism has also planned a ‘Dogri Food Festival’ for the golfers and the participants so that being in Jammu they could relish the local cuisines and get to know about the culture and traditions of this place.
A PGTI representative said, “the conditions are favorable for the golfers and they will again love to enjoy playing at the golf course of international standard.”
The officials however, appealed to the public, especially the golf lovers to be part of the event and be good spectators. (Agencies)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
