An Overview of Gymkhana Lahore

Gymkhana Lahore is a prestigious club that offers an extensive range of facilities and services to its members. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, this club is known for its exceptional hospitality, state-of-the-art sports facilities, and exquisite dining experiences. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or engage in some physical activity, Gymkhana Lahore has something for everyone.

Graana.com takes a closer look at the various offerings of this iconic club below.

History

Established as the Lahore & Mian Mir Institute in 1878, the Lahore Gymkhana was originally situated in the Lawrence and Montgomery Halls, which were located in the Lawrence Gardens, opposite the Governor’s House. It aimed to offer recreational activities and social events for the residents of Lahore.

On March 23, 1906, it was renamed Lahore Gymkhana. The Punjab government took over the halls in 1972, leading to the club’s relocation to its current premises on the Upper Mall, previously known as the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Club, which occupies an area of 117 acres. The Quaid-e-Azam Library was established in the two halls during the 1980s.

The current building’s foundation stone was laid by Nawab Muzaffar Ali Khan Qizilbash, the then-Chairman of Lahore Gymkhana, on March 5, 1968. The building was completed on January 16, 1972.

Golf Course

The Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging 18-hole championship course that originated in the 19th century. Spread over 85 acres of land, the course has a par 72 and a yardage of 6444. Each hole is tree-lined, with 65 bunkers, out-of-bounds on six holes, and water hazards on five holes, making it a challenging course for golfers. The fairways are well-maintained, and the greens are perfectly manicured. 

Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course has been the venue for numerous international tournaments and has witnessed the victories of several prominent international players. The clubhouse is contemporary and the hospitality services provided at the 19th hole are exceptional.

Facilities

The Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course is a vast 85-acre area, featuring 18 holes comprising 5 par 5’s, 8 par 4’s, and 5 par 3’s. The course’s green area covers 98% of its total area, providing golfers with an expansive space to play on.

Adjacent to the golf clubhouse is the practice area, which features 18 bays and a practice green for players to improve their putting skills. Additionally, professional golf players associated with the club offer coaching services to new players and provide expert advice to those looking to improve their game.

Restaurant

The golf course restaurant at Lahore Gymkhana offers snacks and light meals, with club sandwiches being a popular choice. Other favourites include vegetable and cheese sandwiches, french fries, and pakoras.

For those looking for a more substantial meal, the club’s main restaurant offers a range of dishes. The restaurant is open from early morning until late evening, and the dress code is smart casual with a sports-related theme.

Events

Regular tournaments are a highlight of competitive golf at the Gymkhana Golf Course. Among the national-level amateur tournaments held here are the Millat Tractors Governors Cup Golf Tournament, Punjab Amateur Golf Tournament, Quaid e Azam Golf Championship, and the National Amateur Golf Championship of Pakistan, which takes place once every four years.

The J.A.Zaman Golf Championship is a noteworthy open golf tournament that is held here. Additionally, nine tournaments are exclusively open to Lahore Gymkhana members. 

Cricket Club

Established in 1880, the Lahore Gymkhana cricket ground holds immense significance in the world of cricket as it is the oldest cricket ground in Pakistan and the second oldest in the Indian subcontinent.

Club History

In 1911, the Lahore Gymkhana cricket ground hosted its inaugural match between the British Army and the World XI. In 1926, the ground was also the site of the first international match between the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) and the British Army. Then, in 1948, it served as the first headquarters of the Cricket Control Board of Pakistan, which later relocated to Gaddafi Stadium.

Cricket Ground

The cricket facilities of Lahore Gymkhana are available for members to use for net practice and friendly tournament matches, provided they are selected for the Lahore Gymkhana Cricket Teams based on their playing abilities. Members must possess a sports card or pay a monthly subscription fee to avail of these facilities. Net practice can be used on a daily basis by paying daily charges. 

Tennis Club

The Lahore Gymkhana Tennis Club provides high-quality tennis facilities with a total of nine courts, including six grass courts and three hard courts. The hard courts are fitted with appropriate lighting, which enables players to enjoy the game even after sunset.

Rules and Regulations

1. The club requires all members to maintain discipline and avoid using abusive language at all times.
2. They must also show respect to senior members both on and off the courts.
3. It is important to note that Court No 01. is reserved for children between 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM, while Court No. 02-03 is allocated to senior members from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
4. If there is a queue, senior members will be given priority.
5. All payments for light fees, coaching fees, overtime fees, and guest fees must be made through signed vouchers.
6. Members are responsible for their belongings and valuables, and the club management will not be held accountable for any loss.
7. Appropriate attire, including non-marking tennis shoes, must be worn on hard courts. Smoking is strictly prohibited on hard courts.
8. The coaching fee for playing for ½ Hour is Rs. 2800/Month and should be paid through signed vouchers.
9. Light charges per member are Rs. 150/Hour.
10. Members must notify the Secretary of Tennis of any issues related to members and/or staff.

Squash Courts

Gymkhana features four squash courts with top-notch amenities. Two of the courts have wooden floors, glass walls, and air conditioning, making them ideal for national and international tournaments such as the World Open Squash Championships.

The other two courts are equally impressive, with solid walls, wooden flooring, and air conditioning. Members and their families can enjoy these courts, which also have showers, changing rooms, and lockers for their convenience.

Swimming Pools

The club features two 25-metre length swimming pools, with separate timings for men, women, and families. Both pools are equipped with sauna and jacuzzi facilities, as well as a coach and lifeguards to ensure the safety and training of swimmers. The all-weather pool includes heating, steam bath, and jacuzzi facilities.

Other Facilities

The club’s pools are maintained to high standards, with advanced filtration and cleaning systems. Next to the pool, there is a small gym for members who want to exercise before swimming. A snack bar is also present, providing refreshments to swimmers. Other amenities, such as televisions, computerised record systems, and showers, are available as well.

Timings

Gymnasium

The Health Club building houses three gymnasiums, a yoga and aerobics hall, two sauna rooms, two steam rooms, a juice bar, and a salon-wellness centre. 

Facilities

Timings

Billiard Room

The billiard room at the clubhouse has four well-maintained and fully equipped snooker tables in a spacious, well-lit, and air-conditioned environment. It also features a bar and television for players to relax between games. Training facilities are also available.

Card Room

The card room, which has been tastefully renovated and is quite spacious, is equipped with bidding aids and has hosted many national tournaments.

Guest Rooms

The Lahore Gymkhana stands out from other clubs in the city because of its commitment to exceptional service, hospitality, and homely comfort. The rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, international direct dialling, internet and fax facilities, remote-controlled LED TV sets, and minibars.

They also offer serene views of either the sprawling Golf Course or the meticulously maintained gardens. There are a total of 89 fully furnished rooms, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Room Charges

Library

The Lahore Gymkhana library is located in the club’s basement and is renowned as one of the finest in the city. It offers a comfortable and welcoming setting for avid readers and also provides internet and photocopying services.

Food and Beverages

The club offers a variety of facilities to cater to different tastes, and the food served is both exquisitely prepared and reasonably priced. The food & beverage department is committed to maintaining and improving the quality of the food and regularly introduces unique offerings such as weekly BBQs and Sunday brunch.

Timings

Banquet Halls

The Royal Banquet Hall, featuring classic interiors and large windows, has a capacity of up to 70 guests. Moreover, Rose Hall has a capacity of 20 guests, whereas Jasmine Hall has a capacity of 30 guests.

The Shoppe

The Shoppe is conveniently situated next to the parking lot and offers a wide range of groceries to meet the needs of members at competitive prices.

Restaurants at Gymkhana Lahore

Following restaurants are available at Gymkhana Lahore:

• Caffe 9
• Chandni Cafe
• Veranda Terrace
• The Main Lounge

Caffe 9

Caffe 9, situated near the rear lawn and overlooking the scenic lake and golf course, offers a delectable selection of sweet and savoury items. Its menu features a range of options, from small snacks to light brunches, quick lunches, and hearty dinners. 

Chandni Cafe

Bringing back the nostalgia of the 70s, this restaurant offers a delicious selection of dishes from Pakistani and international cuisines. 

Veranda Terrace

The terrace offers a breathtaking view of the golf course with magnificent sunsets. It’s an ideal spot to savour a cup of tea and create lasting memories. The menu features a variety of Ala Carte Cuisine, including continental and Pakistani food and snacks.

Main Lounge

The lounge is adorned with elegant artwork and provides a comfortable space to unwind while savouring delicious food and indulging in a cup of tea or coffee.

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