Assam’s distinctive tea estate golf courses, popularly known as “tea-tees,” may soon be promoted as a unique niche tourism attraction under a new proposal discussed with the state government.
Renowned Indian golfer Arjun Atwal and Gaurav Ghosh of J Thomas & Co met Ravi Kota, Chief Secretary of Assam, to explore ways to develop the state’s tea estate golf courses into a distinctive tourism and sporting circuit.
Assam is home to nearly 23 golf courses located within tea estates, many of which are natural nine-hole layouts surrounded by lush tea gardens. Several of these estates also feature heritage bungalows, allowing visitors to stay amid the plantations while enjoying golf and exploring the region’s tea culture.
Officials noted that these “tea-tees” offer a rare blend of tea heritage, scenic landscapes and sporting tradition, making them attractive to both domestic and international tourists. According to Ravi Kota, the historical legacy and picturesque setting of these courses could help position Assam as a unique destination for golf tourism.
Arjun Atwal, India’s only golfer to win on the PGA Tour, said the state’s golf courses have immense potential but require improved maintenance and development. He added that his team would prepare a roadmap for upgrading at least one course initially as a model project before expanding the initiative to other estates.
Atwal described Assam’s tea-tees as a “gold mine” due to their exceptional natural layouts and proposed the creation of an “Assam Golf Trail.” The concept would link several courses into a tourism circuit similar to the famous Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in the United States.
Such a trail, he said, could attract golf enthusiasts from across India and abroad while also benefiting investors visiting the state, many of whom are keen golfers.
The proposal also includes plans to establish a golf academy strategically located among the tea estate courses. The academy would help nurture young talent and improve the standard of the sport in the region.
As a next step, stakeholders are expected to submit a detailed proposal outlining the concept and development roadmap. The Assam government will then consult tea garden managements and other stakeholders before moving forward.
If implemented, the initiative could showcase Assam’s iconic tea landscapes while opening new opportunities for tourism, investment and sports development in the state.
Assam Explores Tourism Potential of Tea Estate Golf Courses
