The century-old Kanjikhowa golf course at Chabua in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district set up in 1911 has got a new lease of life after a plan to convert the iconic golf course into a tea plantation was shelved by a prominent tea group following a discussion with the Dibrugarh district administration. The golf course which constitutes a part of Kharjan tea estate is owned by Apeejay Tea, the tea firm of Apeejay Surrendra Group. Way back in October 2019, the Kharjan tea estate management took a decision to convert the 9-hole golf course spread over 25 hectares into a tea plantation and started ploughing the golf field using tractors. Shocked and rattled by the turn of events, several organisations of the state including the Upper Assam Golf Association (UAGA) a campaign to save the heritage golf course. The matter reached the ears of the then chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal who directed the Dibrugarh deputy commissioner to look into the issue. After looking into all facts deputy commissioner cum district magistrate Pallav Gopal Jha issued a prohibitory order under section 144 of CrPC on a plot of 190 bigha 16 katha 6 lessa land of Kanjikhowa golf course prohibiting construction of any kind, ploughing in any form, or undertaking any activities which destroy the present status of the land.
Finally after 34 months, the prohibitory orders were lifted from the Kanjikhowa golf course during a meeting at the Dibrugarh deputy commissioner’s office on August 9 which was chaired by the deputy commissioner and attended by representatives of Kharjan tea estate, Upper Assam Golf Association, All Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (AATSA), Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS).
“During the meeting it was unanimously decided that the historic Kanjikhowa golf course will be preserved in its present form. A committee has been formed consisting of representatives of the Upper Assam Golf Association, Kharjan tea estate, ACMS and ATTSA. The committee will demarcate the boundary of the golf course, identify encroachment and take steps for the development of the golf course,” an official said.
Welcoming the development, secretary of the Upper Assam Golf Association (UAGA) Siddhartha Chaliha said, “We are happy with the decision. The Kanjikhowa golf course is one of the oldest golf courses in India and we must keep its heritage alive. Assam is synonymous with its tea gardens and golf courses. There are a lot of sentiments associated with these golf courses. Many tourists comes and visit these golf courses to play and to soak into its rich history.”
The Kanjikhowa golf course which is a place of charm and nostalgia for the golfers of Assam and other parts of the North East was curated by J Alson, the then superintendent of the Assam Frontier Company.The length of the golf course is 2,857 yards, the longest hole being 537 yards and the shortest being 119 yards. The course rating is 67.3 and par is 70. The Kanjikhowa golf course is one of the nine golf courses enlisted under the state tourism department as a registered golf course of the state.
In 1911, the first golf tournament – Assam Frontier Challenge Cup – was organised in the Kanjikhowa golf course under the stewardship of AU Crows. The proud winner of the tournament was WC Scott. In 1936 a ladies golf tournament – Assam Review Cup – was held for the first time at the Kanjikhowa golf course. The tournament continued till 1969. In 1951, the Ladies Challenge Cup was introduced and the winner was S Christie. The last tournament of the Ladies Challenge Cup was held in 1976 and K Jadhava was the winner. The first President Cup was held in the golf course in 1951 and the winner was RJR Christie. The Upper Assam Golf Association has been organising the annual President Cup at this course.
Over the years the Kanjikhowa golf course has hosted several memorable tournaments like Captain Prize (1965), Pat Carr Plate (1959), Lovarine Cup (1960), George Moore Cup (1969) and Robbialac Cup (1970).
