Golf in India has long been associated with prestige and exclusivity, but in recent years, the sport has been steadily gaining momentum beyond elite circles. With world-class players making their mark on international tours and a growing number of golf courses across the country, India’s golf scene is expanding like never before. From historic victories to promising new talent, let’s take a closer look at the evolution of Indian golf.
A Legacy of Champions
Indian golfers have been making waves on international circuits for decades, with some players etching their names into the history of the sport.
- Jeev Milkha Singh is one of India’s most accomplished golfers, having secured victories across the European, Asian, and Japan Golf Tours. His highest world ranking was 28th in 2009, a milestone that set the stage for Indian golfers on the global stage.
- Anirban Lahiri followed suit, earning multiple wins on the Asian and European Tours. His qualification for the 2015 Presidents Cup was a defining moment in his career, cementing India’s place in world golf.
- Jyoti Randhawa became the first Indian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2002, a feat later achieved by Arjun Atwal, who went on to win the 2010 Wyndham Championship, becoming the first India-born golfer to claim victory on the PGA Tour.
India has also shined in team competitions, winning gold in the 1982 Asian Games and securing silver in 2006 and 2010. Lakshman Singh and Shiv Kapur brought further glory by winning individual gold medals in 1982 and 2006, respectively.
The Growth of Golf in India
Although golf has traditionally been associated with India’s elite, efforts are underway to make the sport more accessible. The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has played a key role in developing the professional golf scene, while the Hero Indian Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian and European Tours, continues to attract top talent from around the world.
India boasts an impressive number of golf courses, with facilities spread across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Chennai. The iconic Royal Calcutta Golf Club, established in 1829, is one of the oldest golf courses in the world outside of Britain, serving as a reminder of the sport’s deep roots in India.
Several organizations are working towards the expansion and accessibility of golf in India:
- The Indian Golf Union (IGU), established in 1955, has been the backbone of amateur golf development in the country.
- The Professional Golfers’ Association of India (PGAI) was created in 1995 to nurture professional talent.
- The Indian Pitch and Putt Union (IPPU) has been pushing to develop Pitch and Putt Golf, a shorter format aimed at increasing participation at grassroots levels.
With support from global organizations like the World Golf Foundation, these efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive and widespread golf culture in India.
What Will Be in the Futute?
As the sport continues to gain traction, a new generation of golfers is emerging, eager to compete on the biggest stages. With corporate sponsorships increasing and training academies providing structured coaching, the dream of seeing an Indian golfer win a Major Championship is becoming more realistic.
Golf in India is no longer just a pastime for the privileged few. It is evolving into a competitive sport with a promising future. There has never been a better time to get involved in Indian golf!