Rajbhawan Golf Club

Overview: Rajbhawan Golf Club is the high-altitude course within the Lok Bhavan, formerly Raj Bhawan, estate in Nainital. Current government material identifies an 18-hole, par-61 layout with 18 tees, set among mixed forest at about 2,000 metres above sea level. The course is short by conventional championship standards, but the mountain setting changes the nature of the test. Narrow fairways, rising and falling ground, forest edges and changing air conditions make placement and touch more important than simply carrying the maximum distance. The estate setting gives the round a quiet, historic character that is very different from an open resort course.

History: The course was developed in 1926 during the Raj period as part of the Government House estate. After the creation of Uttarakhand, the golf course became associated with the Governor's residence and a separate Raj Bhawan Golf Club society. Government reports now describe the course as operational since 1926, and the club continues to host the Governor's Cup. The 2026 tournament brought players from nine states, confirming the course's continuing role as an organised golf venue while preserving its distinctive institutional and heritage setting.

Did You Know? The scorecard's par 61 is only part of the challenge. The official course brief notes that the layout covers about 3.2 kilometres, while the forested altitude can alter how far the ball travels in different conditions. The course also uses both browns and greens, an unusual feature that reflects its mountain climate and carefully adapted maintenance approach.