Jammu to be made major golf destination: Farooq Abdullah

Jammu will be promoted as a major golfing destination in the coming days, union Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah said Sunday.

Speaking at the end of the two-day golf championship at Sidhra golf course here, Abdullah, a former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, said: "Jammu will be promoted as a major golfing destination in coming days as the golf course at Sidhra is being developed as one of the world's finest golf courses."

About 200 golfers from all over the country including 45 from Kashmir participated in the tournament.

Abdullah said he appreciated the tourism department and J&K golf association for organizing the tournament and urged for organizing such events on regular basis.

"In fact, golf tournaments in Jammu need to be organized at every weekend. This will not only popularize the golf game, but will make Jammu as a great golfing destination.

"About one crore pilgrims visit Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine annually which includes many golfers who could be diverted to stay at Jammu for playing golf.

"The tourism department should explore all possibilities in this regard. Both the central and state governments would provide all logistic support for the purpose," he assured.

The tournament was organized in three categories including senior golfers, juniors and children.

Abdullah also gave away trophies to the winners.