Srinagar, May 10 -- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said Kashmir's world-class golf courses have the potential to boost tourism and inspire a new generation of local golfers as he inaugurated a golf tournament at the Royal Springs Golf Course here.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Abdullah said Kashmir shares a long association with golf and its courses rank among the best in the country.

"If you look at the most beautiful golf courses in the country, then three courses of Kashmir can easily be counted - Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam," he said.

The chief minister said the government was focusing on promoting golf tourism while also encouraging local youth to take up the sport.

"Our effort ...