Tollygunge Club

Introduction:

The prestigious Tollygunge Club, is India's only national club. Established in the year 1895 solely for the promotion of sports, it has gradually evolved into an all encompassing club. The club is set amidst the sprawling 100 acres of lush green landscape. From an 18 hole golf course to some of the most sophisticated bars and restaurants, Tollygunge Club is indeed an exclusive country club which has been ranked among the world's top 20 clubs.

As a sophisticated club, there is a strict dress code and members are expected to be dressed appropriately in smart attire. Also, children under 18 years are not allowed entry to any of the bars of the club. Again, tipping the bearers at any in the Club's restaurants are against the rules of the club. If you have young children who are under the care of "ayahs" or baby sitters, they are not allowed entry inside the club. The club also doesn't permit the use of cellphones inside the premises.

Tollygunge Club has a rich historical background and if one digs the history of this world famous club, one will come to know that in the early years, the club was the exclusive domain of the erstwhile Britishers or British citizens who were residing in Kolkata as part of the administrative staff of the British East India Company. For a long time, there was no infrastructure development of this prestigious club till the year 1973. But all these changed with the coming of Mr. R. H. Wright who took charge of Tollygunge club in the year 1974 and single handedly changed the complexion of the club through innovative renovation and visionary outlook.

Under the astute leadership of Mr. Wright, popular sporting activities like squash, billiard and table tennis were introduced. A new outdoor swimming pool too was constructed during Mr. Wright tenure. Apart from all these sporting developments, Mr. Wright introduced the most striking and eye catching event - the annual horse race competition. But for some inexplicable reasons, this hugely popular competition was withdrawn in the year 1983. The club still possesses some very fine breed of horses which are much sought after by the distinguished club members for riding around the sylvan 100 acre club premises.

The club's tryst with the game of golf commenced in the year 1972, courtesy the "Dunlop Club". Dunlop, by the way was one of India's best known corporations but later went bust. After Dunlop pulled out of the tournament, the Indian Tobacco giant ITC launched the glamorous Wills Trophy Tournament that attracted top golfers from India and abroad. Presently the annual golf tournament at the Tollygunge Club is called the "Classic Club".

At the end, it must be said that Tollygunge Club survived principally because of the magnetic personality of Mr. Robert Hamilton Wright who was affectionately called "Bob" by his colleagues and admirers. His loyalty to the club was admirable and one has to take into account the fact that Bob took over the leadership of Tollygunge Club at a time of intense political trouble in Bengal and the areas around the club were the hotbed of mayhem and turmoil. Bob literally took Tollygunge Club by the scruff of its neck and brought about the splendid turn around of this prestigious club.

Accommodation:

Tollygunge Club has 70 well appointed Double Suites and each Suite is air-conditioned and is equipped with all modern amenities expected of a renowned international country club. The suites are spread over the Grand Stand, Tolly Terrace and Tolly Towers, all of which provide marvelous window views of the surrounding greenery and verdant landscape.

Apart from the suites, the club also offers elite standard rooms either on single or double occupancy basis.