Gulmarg (Kashmir), Sept 01: Notwithstanding militant violence, the 18-hole lush green Gulmarg golf course today played host to the inaugural Chief Minister's Golf Cup 2003 here today. It was for the first time after 16 years that a golf tournament was held at this golf course situated at an altitude of 2730 metres.
The last time this course, considered to be one of the highest in the world and also the second oldest in the country after Kolkata, played host to such a tournament was in 1987.
The Royal Springs Golf Course team lifted the cup while the Chief Minsiter's team finished runners-up.
In all nine teams comprising 36 players participated in the day-long event organised by Gulmarg Development Authority with a view to promote tourism through the medium of golf.
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, also the president of Gulmarg Golf Club, gave away prizes to the winners, runners up and other participating teams.
Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, Army Commander, Northern Command Lt Gen Hari Prasad, Director General of Police Gopal Sharma, Corps Commanders of 15 and 16 Corps Lt Gen Nirbhay Sharma and Lt Gen T P S Brar besides ace golfers were present at the prize distribution function.
Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir would be developed as a golfers' paradise since there were a number of golf courses all over the state. He said separate golf courses for ladies and children would be laid at Gulmarg.
Bureau Report