'Long Way to Go': Kapil Dev Hails Corporate Support as BT Golf Returns
PGTI President Kapil Dev and Business Today announce the 27th season of BT Golf, aiming to make golf a viable career for Indian athletes.
Legendary cricketer and President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), Kapil Dev, has emphasized the critical role of corporate partnerships in transforming the landscape of Indian golf. Speaking at the launch of the 27th season of BT Golf, Dev noted that while the sport still has a significant journey ahead to reach its full potential, the involvement of major brands provides the necessary validation for aspiring athletes to pursue golf as a professional career.
Bridging the Gap Between Business and the Greens
The partnership between the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI) and Business Today was officially unveiled at the Qutub Golf Course in New Delhi. The collaboration aims to broaden the sport's appeal, targeting corporate leaders and a more diverse audience across the country.
During the announcement, which featured a pitch-and-putt session involving professional golfers and senior editors, Kapil Dev highlighted the inherent values of the game. He stated that the initiative is designed to introduce "India Inc" to the discipline, patience, and sportsmanship that define golf.
"We have a long way to go, but it feels good when big brands come forward to associate with you. People feel good and believe that you can make your life out of this sport. It's wonderful," Kapil Dev remarked.
The Road Map for Season 27
The 27th edition of Business Today Golf is set to kick off on October 31 at the prestigious Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. The tournament will follow a multi-city format, spanning eight major business hubs to foster competition and networking among industry leaders.
Alok Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Business Today, described the platform as a unique intersection where business meets the greens. He noted that for nearly three decades, BT Golf has served as India's premier corporate golf platform, bringing together some of the sharpest minds in the industry for healthy competition and camaraderie.
Investing in the Future of Indian Golf
DP World PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl drew a parallel to cricket to explain the importance of the partnership, quoting Kapil Dev's philosophy that a player cannot score a century without a reliable partner. Johl stressed that media and corporate support are vital for the growth of any sport in India.
Key Support Systems for Players
Johl highlighted that the tour's stability is bolstered by a growing list of commercial partners, including:
- DP World
- Air India
- HCL
- Axis Bank
- SR Group
- Trident
- Indian Oil
Comparing the PGTI to the BCCI of golf, Johl explained that the organization operates as a not-for-profit entity. Every rupee earned is reinvested back into the sport. This financial model ensures that funds are directed toward:
- Increasing prize money for competitors.
- Enhancing player facilities.
- Providing financial assistance to Indian golfers seeking to compete and gain experience on overseas tours.