Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship: DP World PGTI and Essar Foundation Team Up
DP World PGTI and Essar Foundation announce the Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship with a Rs 2 crore prize purse starting January 2027.
The professional golfing landscape in India is set for a major boost as the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI) and the Essar Foundation have officially announced the launch of the Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship. This new annual tournament is designed to honor the memory and enduring legacy of the late Shashi Ruia, the co-founder of the Essar Group.
A Legacy of Excellence and Entrepreneurship
Shashi Ruia, who co-founded the Essar Group alongside Ravi Ruia, was a visionary business leader. His influence was pivotal in transforming Essar from an infrastructure-centric company into a global investment powerhouse with a diverse portfolio spanning technology, retail, energy, mining, metals, and infrastructure. Beyond business, his life was defined by a deep commitment to industrial development, institution-building, and philanthropy.
Tournament Details and Grand Prize
The partnership between the DP World PGTI and the Essar Foundation is a long-term commitment, spanning five years and ensuring the championship remains a fixture on the calendar through 2031. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place from January 12–15, 2027, at the prestigious Willingdon Sports Club in Mumbai.
Key highlights of the first edition include:
- Prize Purse: A substantial prize pool of Rs 2 crore.
- Pro-Am Event: Scheduled for January 10, 2027.
- Participants: The tournament will attract the finest professional golfers from across the country.
Voices from the Leadership
Kapil Dev, President of the DP World PGTI, emphasized the importance of bringing professional golf to Mumbai, India's financial hub. He noted that the championship is a milestone that will provide greater visibility for Indian golfing talent and showcase the sport to a wider audience in a key metropolitan center.
Prashant Ruia, Group Chief Executive of Essar Group, shared a personal connection to the sport, stating:
"Golf was a game my father truly loved. It was his happy time, where he connected with so many people over a round of golf. I remember accompanying him to golf courses and listening to his wonderful stories. It gives us immense pleasure to honour his memory through this championship."
Amit Bajaj, Managing Director & Global Head of Corporate Affairs & Public Policy at Essar, added that the five-year partnership reflects the foundation's commitment to the long-term growth of the sport, providing a platform for both established pros and emerging talents to excel.
Driving the Future of Indian Golf
Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, described the Essar Group's commitment as a significant vote of confidence in the future of the sport. He believes the substantial prize purse will raise the competitive bar and help establish the Shashi Ruia Memorial Golf Championship as a marquee event on the DP World PGTI calendar, blending the world of professional sports with the dynamic business energy of Mumbai.