New Delhi (India): The Indian Golf Union (IGU) is experiencing a surge of growth and recognition, buoyed by strong support from global organizations such as the International Golf Federation (IGF) and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC). The IGU is poised to host several APGC events in 2025 and 2026, continuing its push to enhance the stature of golf in India.
The IGU has also initiated steps to secure funding from Olympic Solidarity, receiving positive feedback on its proposals. The support of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has further bolstered the union, ensuring stronger government backing for the sport.
Brijinder Singh, President of the IGU, commented on the union’s ambitions: “We have asked the APGC to give us events to host and will keep pressing them. Our pitch at international events like the Asian Amateur Championship has received favorable support to host Asia-Pacific events in the next year or two. This will allow our golfers to play top competitions at home and benefit from the home advantage.”
The Indian Open, one of the premier golf events on the DP World Tour (European Tour), is also under the IGU’s stewardship. Singh noted that the Indian Open has drawn strong competition fields in recent years, and preparations for the 2025 edition are already underway. The event has received positive backing from major sponsors such as Hero.
In a bid to increase golf’s popularity across the country, the IGU has taken significant steps to promote golf in India’s North East. Partnering with the Tourism Ministry of Assam, the IGU is organizing a promotional tournament in Jorhat, utilizing golf as a tool for tourism promotion. Additionally, a pilot project aimed at introducing golf to schoolchildren has reached out to 10,000 students, with around 2,500 students getting their first experience of the sport.
The National Golf Academy of India (NGAI) is undergoing revamps, further enhancing India’s infrastructure for professional training. Furthermore, India’s inclusion in the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) has bolstered its standing on the international stage.
Singh highlighted the positive changes brought about by these efforts: “Tremendous support in the form of funds and coaching has created a harmonious environment, resolving past legal issues. We’ve strengthened our relationships with international bodies, and our referees and officials are now being invited to conduct events abroad.”
One of the standout achievements for the IGU will be hosting the Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar (TARS) for the first time in India, scheduled for April 2025.
The IGU is also working on sending Indian golfers to 12-15 international events in 2025, while top amateur players like Avani Prashanth, Kartik Singh, and Nishna Patel are expected to turn professional soon. The IGU has introduced a National Squad System, integrating mind training, physical fitness, nutrition, and technical skills, which has already yielded positive results.
With these initiatives, the IGU is poised to continue its mission of expanding the sport of golf and raising India’s profile on the international golfing circuit.