Playing Golf at Digboi in Far East Assam: It's great Fun

Upper Assam is a romantic place. I for one who has spent considerable time in this region, remember it as a place with some of the best Golf courses. I do recollect teeing off at the Upper Assam golf Club at Digboi, about 65 km from Dibrugarh. Digboi is a small town with a population of about 20,000, but its importance far outstrips everything. It is the centre of the only oil wells in this region. In addition the golf club, is something that one can never forget.

The golf course was laid out in 1898 and that makes it one of the oldest golf courses in India. The course was re-laid in 1930 and during the war years supported an air strip. The air strip was abandoned after the war and now is part of the 5th fair way. The course by itself is one of the best in India. It has 18 holes and is a 72 PAR course. Many professional golfers have played at this course. I have also played at this course which has a romantic charm of its own.

The course is looked after by the Indian Oil company, and is of international standard. The course winds through a reserved forest and game sanctuary, on three of its sides, while the fourth side gives a view of the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh. This course is one the best in the entire state and is host to a regular competition every year. The course goes through thick jungles. Wild animals like the Leopard, horse, elephant roam in these jungles and in case you start your game early at first light you will be able to see the pug marks of these beasts all over the course, in particular close to the many streams that traverse the course. What a lovely thought it is, playing golf in the land of wild animals.You will have to be careful with your long shots with the woods so that the ball is not lost in the woods close to the course.

The club and golf course are cared for by the Indian oil company. There are eight other golf courses among the tea estates of this area, including an Army golf course. All these courses are 8 or 9 hole courses. But the Digboi golf course is the best. The course has local boys available as caddies. You will certainly need them to insure that you know all the pitfalls and streams that cross the course. So if you happen to visit Digboi, you can't go away without playing a game of Golf.