Farooq dreams of taking golf in Kashmir higher

Srinagar, Sep 14 (UNI) National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah is quite hopeful of becoming the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir once again and among other things golf tops his priorities.

''If I will become the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir once again, I will privatise the Royal Springs Golf Course to bring it at par with international standards,'' he said after giving away prizes at the end of two-day Kashmir Uzma invitational golf tournament.

He said that if his party was once again voted to power in the next year's elections, the conditions of all golf courses in the state would be improved to attract players from across the world.

The former Chief Minister said the condition of this picturesque golf course situated on the banks of the world famous Dal Lake and on the foothills of Zabarwan range had worsened over the years.

Dr Abdullah added that the greens of the 18-hole golf course have been badly damaged by the polluted water of the Dal Lake.

''I feel happy to see golfers from other states of the country coming here to play the game. Tourism is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy,'' he added.

Dr Abdullah congratulated Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Uzma Editor-in-Chief Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo for organising golf tournaments in the Valley in which players from across the country participate.

UNI