Air Force Golf Course shut as Centre moves to reclaim prime land in Lutyens’ Delhi

The Air Force Golf Course, which houses a sports complex, swimming pool and other recreational facilities, remained closed on Wednesday (October 28, 2026) as the Centre expedited efforts to reclaim prime land parcels in the surrounding area.A senior Defence Ministry official confirmed that a survey of the land had been completed and notices had been served. The complex will remain closed until further notice, the official said.The closure has also led to the cancellation of a farewell golfing event planned for outgoing Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh. The event was scheduled to be held at the venue ahead of his retirement on October 31.The golf course is located in the vicinity of the Delhi Race Club and Jaipur Polo Grounds, both of which have also come under the government’s land reclamation drive.The Land and Development Office (L&DO), under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), has been seeking to reclaim prime land parcels near the Prime Minister’s official residence that were earlier leased out or allegedly encroached upon.In August, the department evicted the Delhi Race Club from its 53-acre premises on Lok Kalyan Marg, citing the requirement of the land for an unspecified public purpose.It also reclaimed the Jaipur Polo Ground from the India Polo Association, citing broader public purposes, governance and defence infrastructure projects.The department has additionally initiated eviction proceedings against the Delhi Gymkhana Club to reclaim its 27-acre premises, citing the requirement of land for defence infrastructure. The matter is currently pending before the court. Published - October 29, 2026 06:20 am IST