Optimising the Course |
Being posted in Royal Springs Golf Course Cheshmashahi Srinagar, as I walked into the lush green premises of Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, I couldn’t help but feel like I have been transported to the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland. The scenic course, perfectly molded lush greens, and serene atmosphere make it a dream come true for any golf lover.
Royal Springs Golf Course is situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan Hills besides Dal Lake in Srinagar, and is the magnificent terminus for golf buffs. The state govt undertook the laying out of the Royal Spring golf course in 1987-88 under the special assistance program of the prime minister and M/s Robert Trent Jones, the worlds renowned golf course designers were appointed as the consultants. The 18 hole golf course with practice fairway of approximately 225 mts length has three lakes, two marches, underground sprinkler irrigation system, comfort stations, rain shelters, full-fledged maintenance complex, a club house and about 8 ½ Kilometers long cart path. The course is spread over an area of 100 hectares of land, the fairways are about 50-60 meters with crowns, mount features and vary in length from 160 meters to 530 meters. The total length of 6386 meters consists of 4 par five, 10 par fours and 4 par three holes, hazard area in the shape of beautiful lakes, natural marshes, bunkers and other features make the course interesting and challenging in accordance with the international standards.
Royal Spring Golf course was commissioned in 2001 and has since become one of the most picturesque golf courses in Asia. The course is ranked among the top 10 golf courses in India by Golf Digest. To take it to next level, hosting international golf tournaments, conferences and social events would be a game changer. It would not only boost tourism but also place Srinagar, on the global golfing map. Royal Springs Golf Course can offer additional services like upsell and cross sell of golf equipment, apparel or travel packages to generate extra income.
Royal Springs Golf Course is located about 20 Km from Srinagar airport and less than 10 kms from city centre, an is undoubtedly easily accessible to tourists. The golf course provides world class conveniences including clubhouse, a modern and elegant structure with a lobby, proshop, locker room, banquet hall, conference room, and restaurant. It has a Golf Academy that offers coaching and training for golfers of all levels. It has a driving range, a practice area for golf players to polish their skills.
The Royal Springs Golf Course essentially provides play and pay facility to ensure maximum participation of tourists and visiting golfers. The Royal Springs Golf Course has been developed with the aim to give boost to the tourism industry and contribute to the revenue generation. As per records it has no major revenue realization despite having good infrastructure. There is a membership capacity of 1000 but the number of members decreased from 541 in February 2019 to 532. Furthermore, efforts to obtain sanction from the Board of Governors and registering new members have failed so far. Additionally, there was no registration of new members to replace those who left, negatively impacting revenue generation. Against a target of Rs 630 lakh the actual realization was only 486.37 resulting in a shortfall of Rs 143.63 Lakh (23%).
Royal Springs Golf Course Srinagar has taken numerous initiatives to increase the membership of the golf course to boost the revenue but 250 membership applications are lying with the Government for its approval since 2019. When permission for enrollment of fresh members is granted by the government, financial health of the course shall improve itself. The management should take immediate steps to improve revenue generation. Regular monitoring and strategic planning are essential to meet revenue targets and reduce the shortfall.
Romisa Gangoo, Accountant, Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar.