Women's Golf Association of India

Indian Golf and Indian Cricket – When They Met

When Kapil Dev, India’s legendary cricket icon, assumed the Chairmanship of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), he brought with him a dynamic new vision for Indian golf. True to his relentless spirit, Kapil has wasted no time in revamping the organization, energizing its mission, and attracting new sponsors with a passion for the sport's growth.

The recently concluded Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton (KDGT) 54-Hole Championship, held at Bengaluru’s prestigious Prestige Golfshire, marked a major milestone for Indian golf. For the first time, a combined prize purse of ₹2 crore was announced for both male and female golfers—a gesture that sent a powerful message of inclusivity and progress.

This initiative comes on the heels of the International Golf Federation’s (IGF) green light from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include a mixed team golf event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The KDGT Championship is a timely response to this development. It represents a necessary step toward breaking down barriers between genders in the sport, encouraging more mixed events, and nurturing talent that could represent India on the Olympic stage.

Among the standout performers at the event was Pranavi Urs, a current Ladies European Tour player and a star of the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI). Finishing as the best-performing female golfer at 18th place with an impressive 8-under-par over three days, Pranavi was honored with a ceremonial jacket in front of a star-studded audience. None other than cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar was present, adding grandeur to the celebration. His presence and warm praise highlighted the growing synergy between India’s favorite sport—cricket—and its rising one—golf.



For many spectators, especially the women who played the sport during more conservative times, the event was deeply symbolic. Gender equality in Indian golf has long been elusive, shaped by colonial legacies and cultural limitations. The KDGT Championship offered not just competition but a powerful statement of inclusion and progress.

Cricket, India’s undisputed sporting obsession, has historically overshadowed many other sports. But with cricketing legends now championing golf, the tide may be turning. As support grows, so too will participation, particularly at the grassroots level.

Interestingly, in the early days of the WGAI, there were experimental efforts to train female cricketers in golf. A visit to the National Stadium confirmed that the fitness and hand-eye coordination of these athletes translated well to golf. This sparked discussions on transitioning retiring female cricketers into golf—a move that could extend their athletic careers and inject new talent into the sport.

In the future, similar trials are expected, not just for cricketers but also for retiring female hockey players. These initiatives represent bold thinking and a collaborative approach to elevating women's sports in India.

India’s true global glory in golf may still lie ahead. But with committed efforts from all stakeholders—sporting legends, governing bodies, sponsors, and fans—the path is now being forged. The time to act is now.

Champika Sayal
May 2025