about
The Calcutta Golf Society
The Society was founded in 1953 by ex-Calcutta golfers with the support of the Royal Calcutta Golf
Club (’the Royal’).
The Royal boasts the distinction of being the first golf club to be established outside the United
Kingdom, in 1829. One of its founder members, Lt Col Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair, was instrumental in
reviving the game of golf at St Andrews. His fascinating life story relates to the Trophies shown
here.
Who were these ex-Calcutta golfers?
Originally the qualification for joining the Society was membership, past and present of the Royal,
Tollygunge and Jodhpur Clubs. Early members provided the Society with the connections, among
others, with Walton Heath and Rye, against which the Society still competes.
Who and where are we now?
With the inevitable decrease in potential members from the original clubs, we now welcome
golfers with stong ties to the subcontinent. The Society is the representative of India in the
tournaments among Overseas Societies in the UK.
We maintain very strong fixture list including matches against Royal Blackheath
(arguably the oldest golf club in the world), Royal Lytham & St Annes, Rye and Walton
Heath. Our annual fixture list contains some 12 club and society matches.