JAMMU: The Directorate of Tourism Jammu, in collaboration with Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC), hosted the much-anticipated Golfers’ Day Out and New Year 2025 Golf Tournament at the picturesque Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Sidhra. The event aimed to promote golf as a key tourism product and foster a vibrant golfing culture in the region.
Held under the visionary leadership of Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department, J&K Yasha Mudgal, the tournament witnessed an enthusiastic participation from 96 golfers divided into 24 four-ball teams, making it a day-long celebration of skill, precision and sportsmanship.
The tournament was inaugurated by Principal Secretary to the Government, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, Park & Garden Shailendra Kumar, who teed off the first ball alongside Director Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta; Secretary JTGC Manav Gupta and Joint Director Tourism, Sunaina Sharma Mehta.
Shailendra Kumar emphasized the importance of cultivating a golfing culture, particularly among the youth, and highlighted the tournament’s significance in establishing Jammu as a premier destination for golf. He stressed the need to sustain efforts in fostering sports and tourism, underscoring the potential of golf to enhance the region’s profile.
Director, Tourism Jammu Vikas Gupta lauded the success of the event, noting that it underscores Jammu’s growing prominence as a hub for sports tourism. He reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting initiatives that showcase Jammu as a premier destination for such events, emphasizing the need for regular tournaments to attract both players and enthusiasts.
Secretary Jammu Tawi Golf Course Manav Gupta expressed his determination to position JTGC as a top destination for golfers. He pointed to the overwhelming response from participants as a testament to the growing interest in golf within the region. Such events, he noted, not only highlight the region’s sporting potential but also contribute significantly to its tourism appeal.
Joint Director Tourism Jammu Sunaina Sharma Mehta underscored that women’s involvement in golf adds a profound layer of inclusivity and dynamism to the sport. She articulated that such initiatives are instrumental in elevating Jammu’s stature as a distinguished golfing destination, amplifying its tourism allure, and exemplifying the Department of Tourism’s resolute commitment to fostering golf as a transformative pillar of sports tourism in the region.
Adding a unique touch to the event was the “Golfing Day Out Ladies Putting Competition,” designed to encourage women’s participation in golf. The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from women golfers, with Widhana Khan emerging as the winner.
The tournament concluded with a grand closing ceremony, where trophies and mementos were presented to the winners and top performers by the distinguished guests.