Gulmarg, Nov 11 (KNO): In an effort to promote participation of grassroot players in golf, the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir organised the ‘Winter Caddy Golf Tournament 2026’ here in North Kashmir on Thursday.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), MLA Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah, who as the Chief Guest on the occasion, inaugurated the tournament with a ceremonial tee-off. MLA Pattan Javed Reyaz Bedar and Director Tourism Kashmir Syed Qamar Sajjad were present as Guests of Honour.
An official said that the tournament was organised to recognise the contribution of golf caddies, who play an important role in supporting golf tourism in Gulmarg, while providing them an opportunity to showcase their golfing skills. Winners were given awards and cash prizes.
A key highlight was the Junior Golf Initiative, under which local students aged 12 to 18 participated in golf activities. Junior golf kits were also provided to encourage young participants to take up the sport.
The Director Tourism said regular golf learning sessions would be organised every weekend to help children develop their skills.
A separate competition was also held for junior participants, with winners receiving awards.
The department also distributed paper bags as part of a cleanliness initiative to promote environmentally responsible practices and keep Gulmarg clean.
The initiative aims to promote golf among local communities, encourage youth participation and strengthen Gulmarg's position as a destination for sports tourism and sustainable tourism practices—(KNO)