Jamshedpur: Golmuri Golf Course not only poses a challenge for golfers but has turned out to be a safe address for commuters crossing the busy Nildih-Telco thoroughfare.

As many as 126 golfers - who are taking part at the ongoing 16th Tata Open - are overwhelmed by the superbly manicured 18-hole greens.

The 40ft high nets along the main road enable golfers to play their shots without posing any risk to commuters.

"The 40-odd groundsmen worked extremely hard to prepare the course before the Tata Open," said Alan Singh, chief administrator of Jamshedpur Golf.

On how the course is posing a challenge for golfers, Singh, who led the Indian golf team in the 1982 Asian Games in Seoul, said roughs along the fairways have thick tall grass, which meant golfers have to be very careful while playing their shots.

According to Singh, they measured the speed of the course by using a Stimpmeter, a device used to measure the speed of a golf course. "The speed is same like last year. The speed poses another challenge for the golfers as they have to come up with measured strokes," Singh said.

He added, "Despite the extended monsoon, we have managed to maintain the speed of the course."

Bangalore-based professional Udayan Mane , who is currently placed second on PGTI (Professional Golf Tour of India) merit list, appreciated the greens. "I'm excited about the course. It is very challenging and a test of golfing skills," he added.

M. Dharma, placed fourth on the PGTI merit list, echoed Mane. "I love playing at Golmuri. The speed poses real challenge. The course has matured and is one of the perfect destinations for playing professional golf," added Dharma, who won the Tata Open in 2013.

Tinplate resident Rameshwar Das, a Tata Motors employee, said the safety nets was the need of the hour. "I always feared travelling on Nildih-Telco main road whenever there is a golf event. But now I feel safe to drive," he added.