India is likely not top of mind when it comes to thinking of golfing destinations for clients, but as Go Golfing managing director & CEO Peter McCarthy says it’s on par with the best.
“Where there is wealth, there is ego and wherever there is ego, there is golf,” he says.
And given India’s upper class and burgeoning middle class, its English history, plus the attraction of courses and clubs that are more than 100 years old, it should be on the sand-bucket list of any travel advisor’s golfing client.
GG is Australia’s largest and most awarded golf travel company. Most recently, GG was voted Best Golf Tour Operator at the prestigious World Golf Awards. Go Golfing Travel also partners with travel advisors and invites those interested in expanding their offering to become approved to sell their golf tours, cruises and tournaments.
“Our itineraries have golfers teeing off on the premier club and resort golf courses, immersive cultural and culinary experiences as well as iconic sights and hand-picked experiences that elevate the touring experience,” Go Golfing marketing manager Beatrice D’Alto says.
Clients play where few ever will, including rare access to the prestigious Delhi Golf Club, a course most travellers can only dream of. Then there is an option to extend into Sri Lanka and Nepal, far beyond the classic “Golden Triangle”.
Not golfing? No problem!
Beyond the fairways, India offers a tapestry of royal palaces, sacred temples and unforgettable landmarks for the non-player. Stand before the ethereal Taj Mahal, explore the grandeur of Amber Fort and the Palace of Mysore, and wander through the intricate Jantar Mantar Observatory.
Those without a handicap, can immerse themselves in culture with a traditional Rajasthani cooking demonstration, savour an authentic Gujarati thali, and step inside artisan workshops preserving centuries-old crafts.
As a small group tour operator, Go Golfing takes up to 30 people to a variety of destinations on the sub-continent, everyone from golfing couples to solo travellers and a group of golfers whose partners may or may not play golf. Apart from India, Go Golfing currently offers 34 other countries in which to golf.
“We’ve been operating for over 30 years and now have around 47,000 golf travellers on our database,” says McCarthy, currently hosting a tour Split, Croatia. “And 20 per cent of those are from outside of Australia.”
On-the-ground expertise
“We’re fortunate to have the best of both worlds when it comes to on-the-ground expertise and local support,” D’Alto says. “Deepak is based right here with us in our Gold Coast office, working closely with Khaver, our trusted tour guide who is based in India.
“This seamless collaboration ensures every detail is taken care of both behind the scenes and on location, delivering a truly well-managed and personalised experience.”
When it comes to the golf itself, this journey showcases an exceptional variety of courses across India, each offering something distinctly different:
- Prestige Golfshire (Bengaluru) – A world-class, resort-style championship course set at the foothills of Nandi Hills. It presents lush fairways, scenic landscapes, and a premium golfing experience.
- Karnataka Golf Association (Bengaluru) – A beautifully maintained urban course known for its strategic layout and tree-lined fairways, offering a classic members’ club feel.
- Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club (Ahmedabad) – Designed by Nicklaus Design, this expansive course features wide fairways, water hazards, and a links-style feel in parts, one of India’s most visually striking layouts. No.3 in India.
- DLF Golf & Country Club (Delhi) – A modern, championship-level course designed by Gary Player, known for its dramatic bunkering, elevation changes, and tour-level conditioning. No.1 golf course in India.
- Delhi Golf Club (Delhi) – One of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in India, blending rich history with a unique layout that winds through heritage-listed monuments. Access to this course is incredibly exclusive, membership is typically granted by invitation or lineage, making it inaccessible to the general public. We are proud to be able to guarantee our guests the rare opportunity to play here. No.2 in India.
- Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort (Greater Noida, Delhi) – A Greg Norman-designed course offering a true resort experience, with wide fairways, lakes, and immaculate presentation.
“Our affable hosts promote fun, connection, safety and comfort while our experienced local guides bring the destination to life with humour and passionate storytelling,” D’Alto says.
D’Alto adds that Go Golfing is always interested in travel advisors keen to offer their extensive golf travel program to their clients.
“We also work closely with Tourism Authorities and GSA’s selling a destinations golf and tourism assets,” she said.
And of the destinations to play, while India is thriving, Vietnam is growing even faster with McCarthy saying there are as many golf courses being built today, as there are already in existence.
“It provides enormous value for money,” McCarthy says.
And just like that one beautiful fairway shot, golfing India-style is something you can’t replicate on Australian soil. It’s exactly what makes such a tour so special.
