Next Decade Could See India Produce World-Class Golfers: Amitabh Kant
PGTI leaders believe India's youth and infrastructure can produce world-class golfers in the next decade, mirroring the nation's cricket success.
India is standing on the threshold of a sporting revolution in golf. According to leaders of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the nation possesses all the necessary ingredients—a young population, improving grassroots infrastructure, and increased international exposure—to produce world-class golfers over the next ten years.
Speaking during a media interaction on the sidelines of the India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club, Amitabh Kant (IAS), PGTI Board Member and former G20 Sherpa, expressed strong confidence in India's trajectory. He drew a compelling parallel between the current state of golf and India's historic rise in cricket, suggesting that the country is beginning a similar journey toward global dominance in the sport.
Breaking the 'Elitist' Stereotype
For too long, golf has been perceived as a sport reserved for the elite. However, Amitabh Kant emphasized that this perception is rapidly shifting. He believes that the real talent pool lies beyond the major metros, specifically in tier-two and tier-three cities.
Kant highlighted the surprising and strong response from states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. He specifically lauded the Chhattisgarh government's initiatives to develop facilities and promote the game among young players. He noted that if children from tribal communities are given the right opportunities and access, they have every potential to become exceptional golfers on the global stage.
"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," said Amitabh Kant.
Academic Incentives and Corporate Support
To ensure that aspiring athletes do not have to choose between their education and their sport, Kant proposed a significant policy shift in academia. He suggested that 25 per cent of admissions in colleges and universities should be based on sporting merit, using clear criteria such as state-level representation. This would allow athletes to pursue their degrees while continuing to compete at a high level.
Furthermore, he called upon large corporate enterprises to step up their support for the sport, citing DP World as a leading example of how corporate backing can elevate the game.
The Vision for Golf Tourism
Beyond the players, India has the potential to become a global hub for golf enthusiasts. Atul Chaturvedi (IAS), Member of NCLT and former Secretary to the Government of India, pointed out that the country already boasts excellent golf courses and supporting infrastructure.
Chaturvedi argued that India offers exceptional value in terms of course quality and cost, making it a prime candidate for "golf tourism." He suggested that just as India has successfully established itself as a destination for health tourism, a strong branding effort could attract international golfers to the country.
Creating the '1983 Moment' for Golf
Amandeep Johl, CEO of the PGTI, spoke about the strategic steps being taken to sharpen the competitive edge of Indian players. The tour is actively:
- Inviting players from the Korean, Thai, Japan, and Sunshine Tours.
- Increasing the number of co-sanctioned events with the HotelPlanner Tour and the Asian Tour.
- Providing funding for Indian golfers to attend qualifying schools overseas.
Referencing the 1983 Cricket World Cup victory—a moment that fundamentally changed India's sporting psyche—Johl stated that the PGTI is working toward a similar breakthrough. While it is impossible to predict exactly when or where this "moment" will occur—whether at the Indian Open or the DP World India Championship—the focus remains on creating the opportunities that make such a victory possible.
Acknowledging that building a sustainable sporting culture takes decades of consistent investment and policy, the PGTI remains committed to building the pathways necessary for Indian golfers to conquer the world stage.