In clash between competing leagues, Indian golfers stand to benefit

Indian golfers: Two flamboyant former India cricketers, incidentally both from Chandigarh, are now shaping Indian golf as the country witnesses the launch of its first franchise-based leagues.

Former India captain Kapil Dev, in his role as President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), launched 72 The League in New Delhi a few days ago. This came just a couple of months after the breakaway India Golf Professional League opted for former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as its brand ambassador.

The similarity ends there. What has followed is a serious institutional and legal standoff that has split players and administrators.

Suspensions and legal challenge

PGTI suspended several of its member golfers for participating in events organised by the rival  IGPL, citing its rule on “Conflicting Events”.

In response, a group of players, including leading professional Gaganjeet Bhullar, moved the Delhi High Court challenging the suspensions. The next date of hearing is December 22.

Meanwhile, on the course, the IGPL has already completed several competitions. Its next event is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from December 23, as per its website.

Question marks over viability

Experts within the golfing fraternity are raising doubts about the long-term success and financial sustainability of both leagues.

Indrajit Bhalotia, President of the Royal Calcutta Golf Club and a former top-level golfer, said he was unconvinced about their revenue models.

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“I am a well-wisher of Indian golf, but honestly I don’t see a revenue model in these leagues. Even if some corporate puts in, say Rs 50 crore or Rs 60 crore, I don’t see a model how he would get it back from either league. That’s my only concern,” he said.

“Club leagues are fine. But, honestly, I’m not convinced about these professional leagues being successful. I hope I’m wrong. I don’t think any individual sport league, be it tennis or golf, can make an impact.”

Players stand to gain

Former international golfer Amit Luthra, who was part of the Indian team that won gold at the 1982 Asian Games, offered a more optimistic assessment.

“Prima facie, any league or any format that gives more money to players is welcome. At the end of the day, any person playing golf, or doing any other profession, is doing it for a living. The more avenues for making money is good for golfers,” Luthra told Patriot.

“However, without being controversial, there are a lot of egos involved in both the PGTI and the IGPL; there are a lot of issues, as they go in different directions. But, in my opinion, that is better for golf as the beneficiaries are the players. At the end of the day, both tributaries are leading to the ocean,” he said.

Sponsors yet to be finalised

PGTI’s 72 The League, scheduled for February–March with a player auction planned in January, is still in the process of securing sponsors.

League Commissioner Amrit Mathur said discussions were at an advanced stage.

“We are in advanced stages of negotiating and concluding [deals] with a lot of people for the teams and sponsorships. We will have six teams, comprising 10 players, to play, so we are inviting six corporates. Similarly, we are also trying to get sponsors and commercial partners,” Mathur told Patriot.

He added that the top 60 players on the PGTI merit list would be guaranteed their base price at the auction, even if they remained unsold.

In its inaugural season, the league will be staged only in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, with plans to expand in subsequent years.