The Department of Tourism Kashmir has introduced a Junior Golf initiative at Gulmarg to encourage young local talent and promote grassroots participation in the sport. The initiative, launched alongside the Winter Caddy Golf Tournament 2026, will see junior golf sessions organised every weekend, providing local students an opportunity to learn and experience the game.
As per a statement issued, the event was graced by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, as the Chief Guest, while MLA Pattan, Javed Reyaz Bedar, and Director Tourism Kashmir, Syed Qamar Sajjad, attended as Guests of Honour.
The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial tee-off by the Chief Guest, marking the commencement of the sporting activities.
The event was specially organised in recognition of the invaluable services rendered by golf caddies, who play an important role in supporting and promoting golf tourism in Gulmarg. The initiative provided them with an opportunity to participate in the sport and showcase their own golfing abilities. Competitions were organised for caddies, with winners felicitated through awards and cash prizes.
A major highlight of the event was the Junior Golf Initiative, aimed at introducing local children to the sport and nurturing young golfing talent in Gulmarg. Students in the age group of 12–18 years participated enthusiastically in the junior golf activities. Dedicated junior golf kits were also made available to encourage their participation and provide them with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game.
As part of this initiative, regular golf learning sessions will be organised for the participating children every weekend, providing them with sustained exposure to the sport and an opportunity to develop their skills under proper guidance. A separate competition was also organised for the junior participants, with winners receiving awards.
Reaffirming its commitment towards responsible tourism and environmental conservation, the Directorate also undertook a cleanliness-oriented initiative during the event, distributing paper bags to promote environmentally responsible practices and encourage visitors and stakeholders to help keep Gulmarg clean.
Through this initiative, the Directorate of Tourism Kashmir sought to combine sports promotion with community participation, recognising the contribution of local stakeholders while creating opportunities for the younger generation to engage with golf.
The event reflects the Directorate’s continued efforts to position Gulmarg not only as a premier winter tourism destination but also as a centre for sporting activities, youth engagement and sustainable tourism practices.
