June 30, 2025: Omar Abdullah, the chief minister, stated that his government is committed to making Jammu and Kashmir one of the best places in the country to play golf. The chief minister made these remarks during a prize distribution ceremony held here on Saturday, where the winners and runners-up of the golf tournament were felicitated.
Before that, Abdullah went to the Royal Springs Golf Course with other golfers to start the tournament. Famous golfers from all over the country, including the former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, were there. Welcoming the golfers to Kashmir, the chief minister said that their presence was highly encouraging.
He also expressed his gratitude to Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) for organizing the Golf Tournament and tourism stakeholders’ interaction in Kashmir.
“It is very reassuring for us to see you all here. There is no doubt that your presence goes a long way in reinforcing what we are trying to do, which is essentially to bring tourism back on track after it had derailed,” Abdullah said.
Reflecting on the recent challenges, the chief minister acknowledged the apprehensions tourists may have felt following the Pahalgam tragedy. “I understand why people would be afraid to visit. He stated, "I understand the impact that the images from Pahalgam have on the psyche of those who would otherwise not hesitate to come here." He continued, "That is why your presence here carries immense significance, and the message you bring back amplifies what we are trying to achieve in ways we may not be able to." Abdullah said that visitors' impressions are more important than official statements, highlighting the power of word-of-mouth communication. “If I speak about Jammu and Kashmir as a tourism destination, my words will naturally be seen through the lens of a local. But when you return home and share your experiences here, the impact is far greater,” he said.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this. We sincerely hope that each of you returns as ambassadors for J&K and conveys that, despite the region's difficulties over the past few months, there is hope for the future and there is light at the end of the tunnel. On the development of golf infrastructure, Abdullah assured the gathering that all necessary efforts will be made to provide world-class golfing facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir valley.
Referring to the recent tournament held in Gulmarg, he shared that for the first time in over a decade, we were able to organize a small, locally-participated golf tournament using nine holes. By August or September, we hope to have all 18 holes operational. Work on the greens is underway, he said.
“Similarly, we will continue to enhance the quality of golf courses in Srinagar and Jammu. Rest assured, we are committed to ensuring that each time you return, you experience an improved game and setting, he added.