A ROYAL RESTORATION

Renovating the iconic bar at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club took architect Pooja Bihani back to its 200-year-old planning and open up the space to the stunning golf greens

Project: Bar at 19, Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC);

Architects: Pooja Bihani; Spaces & Design, Kolkata

India was the first country outside of Great Britain to adopt golf as a sport. The Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC) was the first golf club to be founded in India in 1829. Affectionately known as the ‘Royal’, it is synonymous with golfing in the country and is also the oldest golf club outside the British Isles. Over the years, Royal has managed to maintain its essential character of a golf club. Substantial e† ort has been put in over the last decade to enhance the course, both on the design and beautification fronts. Now, Royal is considered to be one of the finest golf courses not only in India but also in Asia.

The vintage yet modern bar where golfers enjoy their time after a game of 18 holes is aptly called Bar at 19th. The space opens up physically and visually to the wonderful golf greens and the blue sky. Earlier it was in an enclosed area that was aloof from the beautiful view outside, but now the materials and techniques used in its design make it unique and fun, yet elegant—an iconic bar for golfers not only in Kolkata, but also in the country.