DP World PGTI eyes new generation of world-class Indian golfers

India could produce world-class golfers over the next decade, DP World PGTI leaders said, citing its young population, grassroots development and international exposure. They also highlighted opportunities to expand access to golf, strengthen global competition and promote golf tourism.

Hyderabad: India has the potential to produce world-class golfers over the next decade, driven by its young population, wider access to the sport, stronger grassroots infrastructure and greater international exposure for Indian players, leaders of DP World PGTI said at a media interaction on the sidelines of the ongoing DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club on Saturday.

Amitabh Kant, Board Member of DP World PGTI, former G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog; Atul Chaturvedi, Member of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and former Secretary to the Government of India; and Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, highlighted opportunities to expand golf’s reach across India, strengthen the country’s presence in international competitions and establish India as a destination for golf tourism.

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Drawing parallels with India’s journey in cricket, Amitabh Kant said, “India has established itself in world cricket, and we are now beginning a similar journey in golf. Golf is entering an exciting phase in the country. This is a rare opportunity. The crowds coming to watch some of the world’s best golfers will inspire young Indians to take up the game. Our demographics are in our favour, and I believe the next decade can produce Indian golfers who will compete and win on the world stage.”

Stressing the need to make the game more accessible, Kant added, “Golf has often been seen as an elitist sport, but that perception is changing. Tier-two and tier-three cities can produce some of our best golfers.”

He pointed to a strong response from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and cited the Chhattisgarh government’s efforts to promote golf and develop facilities for young players.

“If young boys and girls from tribal communities get those opportunities, there is no reason they cannot become exceptional golfers. Over the next 10 years, we want to see the game flourish across India and our players win global tournaments,” he added.

Kant urged large enterprises to follow DP World’s lead in supporting golf. He also suggested that 25 per cent of college and university admissions be based on sporting merit, using clear criteria such as state representation, so that athletes could continue their education while competing.

Highlighting India’s potential to attract international golf tourists, Atul Chaturvedi said, “I believe India has excellent golf courses and supporting infrastructure. What we need is stronger branding. India offers exceptional value as a golfing destination, both in terms of its courses and the cost of playing. Just as India has developed as a destination for health tourism, there is an opportunity to build golf tourism.”

Amandeep Johl outlined the tour’s efforts to strengthen international competition. These include inviting players from the Sunshine, Korean, Thai and Japan tours, adding more co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and the HotelPlanner Tour, and funding Indian players to compete at overseas qualifying schools.

Referring to India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup triumph, Johl said, “The 1983 Cricket World Cup changed what India believed it could achieve. We are working towards a similar moment in golf. It could happen at the DP World India Championship, the Indian Open or somewhere else. We cannot predict it, but we can keep creating opportunities.”

Johl noted that building a sporting culture takes decades and that policies and investment need time to deliver results. With committed people on its board, strong brands supporting it and growing international partnerships, DP World PGTI remains focused on creating pathways for Indian golfers to succeed on the global stage.

Caption: (From left) Amitabh Kant, Board Member of DP World PGTI, former G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog; Atul Chaturvedi, Member of the NCLT and former Secretary to the Government of India; and Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, address the media at the DP World India Championship on Saturday.