IGPL players came together for a promo shoot
The much talked about Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) staged its much awaited first ever tournament with the ₹1.5 crore prize money event at Chandigarh Golf Club, introducing an alternate set of 10 events with 54 holes strokeplay, no cut format, which is similar to the LIV golf format. The difference here is that the men and women compete on the same stage.
A Unique Field
The 53-player field blended India’s golfing spectrum—top professionals like Gaganjeet Bhullar, Aman Raj, M Dharma, Shaurya Binu and Kartik Sharma; seasoned stars Gaurav Ghei, Arjun Singh. ; promising young debutants 15 year old Kartik Singh and 16 year old Veer Ganapathy who cut short their blossoming amateur careers to join the pro ranks; leading young amateurs Harjai Milkha Singh ( Jeev’s son) and Zorawar Randhawa ( Jyoti’s son); and lady pros Agrima Manral, Ridhima Dilawari and Neha Tripathi.
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh is brand ambassador
Cricket legend and IGPL Co-Founder Yuvraj Singh unveiled the tour a week earlier in New Delhi, comparing its potential to the IPL’s impact on cricket. “IGPL provides a platform where young golfers don’t have to worry about financial constraints. Equality in the sport is important and this league can change the face of golf in India,” he said. The launch was attended by Asian Tour CEO Cho Minn Thant, WGAI General Secretary Champika Sayal, PGAI President Romit Bose, and icon players Shiv Kapur . IGPL also announced a partnership with the Asian Tour, giving its players entry into the US$500,000 prize money Asian Tour event to be held at Kensville Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad this November.
The team behind IGPL – From L-R – Pro golfers from Delhi Manav Jaini , Raghav Jaini, former CEO of the PGTI. Uttam Mundy, Director Ishan D’Souza and coach Akhil Nayar at the launch event.
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Bhullar Becomes First Winner
Arjuna awardee and 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar took the first IGPL title, carding steady rounds of 70-71-70 for a five-under 211 total, picking up the ₹22.5 lakh winner’s cheque. Bangalore’s veteran player M Dharma finished runner-up at three-under, collecting ₹15 lakh, while newcomer Veer Ganapathy, playing his first ever pro event, left hander and former Junior President’s Cup International team member Kartik Sharma and Shaurya Binu tied for third at two-under, each earning ₹7.5 lakh.
With its guaranteed prize money format and plans to invest in the future of golf in India, the IGPL will be watched to see if it can sustain itself commercially and deliver on its ambitious promises. However, for now, the pro and amateur players are enjoying an alternative source of income while competing in a more relaxed format which brings veteran players, youngsters and women to compete together.