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| Whether you want to learn how to take a tour to Bhutan and play the world's highest course, or if you just want to learn a little about the game in a stunning Himalayan kingdom, this site is for you. The website includes comprehensive sections on: < The exclusive cultural and golf tour to Bhutan in the fall of 2008. Space is limited to 10. Sign up now! < The Bhutan Youth Golf Association < An overview of golf in Bhutan, including courses, tournaments and history. GOLF IN BHUTAN: OVERVIEW An Indian Army officer brought golf to Bhutan in the early 1970s by convincing Bhutan's king to let him build a course on the fallow rice paddies adjacent to the Thimphu dzong. Indian and Bhutanese army officers, and a few high-ranking government officials and businessmen, took up golf in Bhutan during the 1970s. The kingdom's golf population swelled to around 50 in the 1980s, and by the end of the millennium there were nearly 100 golfers, including His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. There are no pro shops in Bhutan, so players either purchase gear when travelling abroad or they buy used clubs from friends. Children began playing the game when Rick Lipsey, an American, came to Bhutan in 2002 and created the Bhutan Youth Golf Association. GOLF IN BHUTAN: COURSES Bhutan has seven courses. Four are nine holers Royal Thimphyu (par 34, 2,800 yards), the Wangdi Military Base Course (2,000 yards, par 32 with sand greens), India House (a 2,100-yard layout that is located on the Indian Embassy compound inThimphu and has eight greens and six fairways) and the King's private layout on his property in Punhaka. The other three courses range from four to eight holes and are located on military bases. Royal Thimphu is the only course open to the public. GOLF IN BHUTAN: TOURNAMENTS Royal Thimphu sponsors about 10 tournaments a year and the BYGA sponsors the Bhutan Junior Open and a series of monthly competitions for kids. Royal Thimphu's events include the Bhutan Open, the Druk Air Championship and the Yak Open, a tournament which has yak parts as prizes. The Indian Embassy sponsors Bhutan's biggest championship, the Maruti 800 automobile ($4,500 retail value) as the first prize. |
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CONTACT: Rick Lipsey at 212-531-1602 or email at rick_lipsey@golfbhutan.com |
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