If the cogwheels work as expected, it would not be a strange possibility for Tiger Woods to visit and play on Indian shores.
The Indian Ministry of Tourism has chalked out a roadmap of how it can do its bit to promote the game of Golf, especially at the professional levels, by setting up funds for the current financial year.
This cache will be provided to boost the prize funds of professional events within India as per a table drafted by the Ministry, with respect to Tour circuits.
The keynotes from the Guidelines for India are:
1) Aid in organizing professional events in the country, with the aim to bring PGA Tour events into the region.
2) Help in sponsoring international level corporate events.
3) Assist the country's golf courses in the media and technological domains to promote Golf tourism into India.
Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director at the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) feels it is a positive step taken by the Tourism Ministry. He adds given the prize money for US PGA events on an average is about US$ 4-5 million, it now becomes more attractive for a sponsor to pick up an event with about 20% of the money coming from the Ministry of Tourism.
Following is an excerpt from the Ministry of Tourism's website:-
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India endeavours to work as a catalyst and active supporter for the development of Golf Tourism in the country.
Sports tourism in India is gaining interest, especially after the successful completion of Commonwealth Games 2010. One of the latest trends in golf tourism is the fact that there has been a recent surge in the interest levels amongst youth, the world over.
India has several golf courses of international standards. Further, golf events held in India also attract domestic and international tourists. With international tourists expected to grow in the next few years, it is important that India has the right product to meet the need of the visitors.
