Nicklaus Design Opens Second Course in India

Kalhaar Blues & Greens, only the second Nicklaus Design golf course to open in India and the first in almost 14 years, opened February 26 in Ahmedabad.

Developed by the Navratna Group, the 18-hole championship golf course complies with United States Golf Association (USGA) specifications and has been meticulously constructed to become one of the most exclusive and prestigious golf courses in the country. The course is spread over 175 acres and has a length of 7,317 yards, making it one of the longest golf courses in India.

The distinctive course offers unique challenges and aesthetics, such as sand and beach bunkers, and 14 bodies of water that cover over 35 acres. In addition, the course features a scenic “island green” on Hole No. 7, which players are already labeling the signature hole of the layout. An impressive clubhouse, hotel and a spa form the centerpiece amenities of Kalhaar Blues & Greens to complement the golf course. It is the first in Gujarat to have a complete cart/buggy course.

The course was sculpted to have contours and land forms ranging from one to five meters. It features a state-of-the-art, computerized irrigation system, and the entire golf course has been sand-capped to enable one of the finest water harvesting and drainage systems to drain rainwater and excess irrigation water to the lake, thereby making it possible to reuse 30 to 35 percent of water used for irrigation. After studying local weather, water and soil conditions, an expert agronomist selected two varieties of grass—MiniVerde for tees and greens, and Bermuda 419 for fairways and roughs. These grass varieties were imported from the US, nurtured and propagated in an on-site nursery and then successfully transplanted onto the course.

The Kalhaar Blues & Greens campus includes a Golf Academy with a practice range, as well as chipping areas and putting greens that cater to beginning, amateur and professional golfers. The project also features a pro shop offering a comprehensive range of equipment, apparel and accessories.