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The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has unveiled ambitious plans for the remainder of the 2025 season, promising more tournaments, bigger prize money, and a potential new golf league that could transform the sport’s landscape in the country. At a press conference held at the Delhi Golf Club on Saturday, PGTI officials announced that the second half of the season—from August to December—will feature a minimum of 15 tournaments, carrying a combined prize purse of ₹17 crore.
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With this announcement, the total prize money for the ongoing season rises to ₹33 crore, marking a significant ₹8-crore increase from the previous season. The revised figure does not include marquee events such as the Indian Open and the DP World India Championships, which are expected to add further heft to the domestic calendar.
The announcement was made in the presence of PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl, PGTI president and cricket legend Kapil Dev, and AS Sahney, chairman of Indian Oil, one of the newly onboarded sponsors. The entry of Indian Oil, along with dairy giant Amul, as major partners reflects the growing commercial appeal of golf in India and the efforts of PGTI to make the sport financially sustainable for professional players.
Plans for a Professional Golf League
One of the most notable developments is the PGTI’s move towards establishing a professional golf league, a first-of-its-kind venture in India. “Talks are ongoing to form a golf league for professional golfers in the country,” said CEO Amandeep Johl, while clarifying that this league will be distinct from the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), which was announced earlier this year but is not affiliated with PGTI.
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The proposed league is expected to follow a franchise-based format, similar to other successful sports leagues in India, with teams owned by corporate houses or individual investors. The idea is to provide golfers with greater exposure, create a fan-driven format for audiences, and offer lucrative opportunities for both emerging and established players.
According to sources within PGTI, initial discussions have revolved around a limited-team structure, where matches could feature a mix of stroke play and team-based formats to increase spectator engagement. “A league format can be a game-changer for Indian golf. It can bring new audiences, fresh investments, and create icons out of our talented players,” Johl said.
Bigger Prize Pool, More Tournaments
The second half of the season will see at least 15 events being played across India, with more venues and cities expected to host PGTI tournaments. The ₹17-crore prize pool for these events marks one of the biggest mid-season announcements in the tour’s history.
With the addition of new sponsors, prize money distribution is likely to become more attractive for golfers across all rankings. “The objective is to provide financial stability and growth opportunities for Indian golfers. The rise in prize money reflects the confidence of sponsors in the potential of Indian golf,” said Kapil Dev, who has been a vocal supporter of the sport since his retirement from cricket.
The former India cricket captain also stressed the need for more grassroots-level programs to create a pipeline of talent. “Prize money is important, but equally important is to get more youngsters into the sport. With corporate support and leagues, golf can become mainstream in India,” he said.
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New Sponsors on Board
Indian Oil and Amul’s entry as sponsors is being seen as a major boost for the PGTI. These partnerships are expected to ensure financial backing for tournaments and possibly future developmental programs. “Golf is a sport of precision, discipline, and vision—values that align well with our brand. We are proud to support Indian golf at this exciting juncture,” said AS Sahney, Indian Oil’s chairman, at the event.
Amul is expected to be associated with grassroots development programs and women’s golf events in the coming seasons. “We want to grow the sport across demographics. Our partnership is not just about prize money but also about increasing participation,” a senior Amul official said.
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Growth of Golf in India
The increased prize pool and sponsorship deals reflect a wider trend of corporate interest in Indian golf. Over the last decade, India has produced several world-class golfers, such as Anirban Lahiri, Shubhankar Sharma, and Aditi Ashok, who have made their mark on global tours. However, domestic opportunities have often been limited by the number of tournaments and prize money on offer.
The PGTI has been working to change that. Over the past five years, the number of events on the Indian calendar has steadily increased, with greater emphasis on attracting international players and co-sanctioning events with Asian and European tours.
The potential golf league is expected to act as a catalyst for further growth. Industry experts believe that a team-based league can create storylines, rivalries, and audience engagement, similar to the Indian Premier League in cricket. While golf may not yet enjoy the same mass following, the league model could help in bridging that gap by creating a format easier for casual fans to follow.
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Road Ahead
While details of the league format and timeline are yet to be finalized, insiders indicate that an official announcement could be made by the end of this year, with the inaugural season planned for 2026. The PGTI is expected to involve current and former players in designing the structure to ensure competitiveness and entertainment value.
Industry stakeholders are optimistic about the developments. “India has the talent. What it needs is a platform that combines world-class competition with commercial viability. If executed well, the league can elevate Indian golf to new heights,” said a senior PGTI official.
Conclusion
The announcement of a bigger prize pool, increased number of tournaments, and a possible professional golf league marks a significant step forward for Indian golf. With support from corporate giants like Indian Oil and Amul, and the leadership of figures like Kapil Dev and Amandeep Johl, the sport is poised for a new era of growth and popularity.
As Johl aptly summed up at the event, “This is just the beginning. Indian golf is ready to take a big leap, and with the support of our sponsors, players, and fans, we aim to make India a powerhouse in the global golf arena.”
With 15 tournaments scheduled for the latter half of the year and the prize pool touching ₹33 crore for the season, Indian professional golfers have more to play for than ever before. And if the proposed league becomes a reality, the sport could see a seismic shift in its perception and reach within the country.
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