HP CM Sukhu Reviews Golf Tourism Push at Naldehra, Koti
Synopsis
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met members of Koti and Naldehra Golf Clubs on 25 October 2026, with Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi present, signalling a cross-departmental push to strengthen HP's legacy golf tourism infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired an occasion focused on strengthening Koti Golf Club and Naldehra Golf Club on 25 October 2026 .
Naldehra Golf Club , established in 1905 , is one of India's oldest golf courses and a key Shimla tourism asset.
Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi were both present, indicating a multi-department approach.
Members and office-bearers of both golf clubs participated in the meeting.
The initiative aligns with the Sukhu government's broader strategy of linking tourism infrastructure with rural development budgets in hill districts.
Two of Himachal Pradesh's most storied fairways are getting fresh attention from the state's top leadership. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu convened a meeting on Sunday, 25 October 2026, where special focus was placed on strengthening the infrastructure and operations of Koti Golf Club and the historic Naldehra Golf Club, near Shimla.
The Chief Minister's Office shared his statement: 'सुदृढ़ करने पर विशेष ध्यान दिया जा रहा है' — 'special attention is being given to strengthening' the facilities. The occasion brought together Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, and members and office-bearers of both golf clubs.
A 121-Year-Old Course Back in Focus
Naldehra Golf Club, established in 1905, ranks among the oldest golf courses in India. Nestled in the pine forests above Shimla at an altitude that draws both domestic and international visitors, the course has long anchored Himachal Pradesh's premium tourism pitch. Koti Golf Club complements the state's recreational sporting infrastructure and similarly falls under the state's combined sports-tourism remit. The presence of two senior Cabinet ministers — one overseeing rural development and one revenue — signals that this is not a ceremonial visit but a cross-departmental effort.Where Rural Development Meets Tourism Infrastructure
The involvement of Minister Anirudh Singh from the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio is telling. Himachal governments have a pattern of routing tourism infrastructure improvements through rural development budgets, particularly for legacy sites in hill districts where local communities depend on footfall from recreational visitors. Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi's presence adds the land and lease dimension that typically underpins any upgrade of publicly managed recreational sites. The Sukhu-led Congress government, in office since December 2022, has consistently framed tourism as a pillar of the state's economic recovery. Golf tourism, while niche, commands high per-visitor spending and feeds allied hospitality businesses around Shimla — making the upkeep of courses like Naldehra a quiet but meaningful revenue lever. Two senior ministers, two golf clubs, and one of India's oldest fairways — the state government is betting that strengthening these assets will keep Himachal Pradesh competitive in the premium hill-tourism segment. Whether fresh budget allocations or concrete upgrade tenders follow will be the real scorecard.Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Naldehra Golf Club in Himachal Pradesh?
Naldehra Golf Club was established in 1905 , making it one of the oldest golf courses in India at over 120 years old. It is located near Shimla in the pine forests of Himachal Pradesh.
Who is the CM of Himachal Pradesh in 2026?
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. He has headed the Congress government in the state since December 2022 .
What is Koti Golf Club in Himachal Pradesh?
Koti Golf Club is a golf facility in Himachal Pradesh associated with the state's sports and tourism infrastructure. It is one of two golf clubs the state government is currently focusing on for upgrades alongside Naldehra.
Which ministers attended the Naldehra Golf Club meeting with CM Sukhu?
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi were both present at the occasion alongside CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and golf club members.
Why is golf tourism important for Himachal Pradesh?
Golf tourism in Himachal Pradesh attracts high-spending domestic and international visitors, particularly to heritage courses like Naldehra near Shimla . The state government links golf infrastructure maintenance to broader tourism revenue goals and rural development in hill districts.
