Since its debut in 1999, the "Gokarna Open" has become a permanent and exciting fixture on Nepal's Golfing calendar.
This major annual golf tournament is held at the picturesque, Gleneagles designed, 18 holes, par 72, international standard Gokarna Golf Club at the Le Meridien Kathmandu, Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa.
The 7th Gokarna Open tees off on Saturday, 25 June 2005. Over 100 Men & Women golfers from across Nepal are expected to take part in this major event. Participants include those representing home club (Gokarna Golf Club), & golfers from Royal Nepal Golf Club, Tribhuwan Army Officers Golf Club, Himalayan Golf Club (Pokhara) and Nirvana Country Club (Dharan).
The tournament will be played over 18 holes in a stableford points format with 7/8 handicap. Defending champion Wanchen Dhondup along with other competitors will pit their skills to win the first prize, a "Cruise Holiday" sponsored by Star Cruise, along with many other fabulous prizes.
It appears the tournament on Saturday will be dominated by a number of much improved younger players, whose interest in golf started after joining Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa.
The tournament was first organized in 1999 to celebrate the inauguration of the Golf Course. Since its inception, it has achieved tremendous success due to the overwhelming participation from members of the golfing community. Last year a total of 115 golfers took part.
This year the event is coinciding with the opening of the main Le Meridien hotel complex, with this luxury 5 star resort now offering 55 spacious rooms, 3 restaurants, 2 Bars, a full fledged Spa & Health Club, and of course the International Standard 18 holes Gokarna Golf Course.
Amongst Nepal's most prestigious annually held sporting events, the Gokarna Open is organized and sponsored by Le Meridien Kathmandu, Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa.
