New players being drawn to the fairways are not just avid golfers looking for the elusive birdies and eagles but those who want to live there .Apart from golf tourism, glof realty _buying a house in the vicinity of golf properties _ is the next hot thing. Ansal API’s golf villas located in the periphery of a golf course in Lucknow and DLF’s new age penthouse overlooking the DLF golf course in Gurgaon have received tremendous response from buyers. At the same time, the ministry of tourism as a niche segment with 65 new golf courses in the pipeline. This could give a further boost to real estate around the courses.
Golf course is now a pre-requisite for properties in the ultra premium luxury segment. DLF has sold out its penthouses overlooking the DLF golf course in Gurgaon. The average penthouse costs Rs 2 crore and the sale was by invitation only.
“We are now looking at hilly areas such as Shimla and Kasauli for our projects with golf courses. We are targeting NRI’s besides corporate honchos and celebrities for the project,” a spokesperson from DLF told ET. Though still in its nascent stage, the investment in these projects will be around Rs 200 crore with about 40 acres of golf course.
Ansal API is also trying to hook golf lovers. Sushant Golf City in Lucknow will have 200 villas in the periphery of a 18 hole golf course spread over 200 acre. Each villa will cost Rs 3-5 crore and here also the sale will be by invitation only industry where golf is the next big thing. Golf is an added attraction for tourists visiting India. With golf clubs emerging in metros and tier 2 cities in India, international travelers have a variety to choose from. The price of a game of golf in India, arranged by tour operators, is around $ 150-200.
“Golfing has become a part of regular corporate hospitality itinerary. Leisure travelers can opt for a morning or afternoon session at selected golf courses,” said Mr Arup Sen, ED, Cox and Kings.
(includes green fees, caddie fees, equipment hire and golf balls). This price is competitive with other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand and cheaper than Japan and Singapore.
“Golfing has become a part of regular corporate hospitality itinerary. Leisure travelers can opt for a morning or afternoon session at selected golf courses,” said Mr Arup Sen, executive director, Cox and Kings.