Written by AKSH GUPTA

 

In a sporting landscape where most athletes fight for exposure and funding, Indian golf is witnessing a quiet revolution and the numbers say it all.

Under the leadership of cricket legend Kapil Dev, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has announced a record-breaking prize pool of INR 33 crore for the 2025 season. That’s nearly three times more than what it was just three years ago.

 

From INR 14 crore in 2022, to INR 20 crore in 2023, and now INR 33 crore in 2025, Indian golf has never had it this good. Sponsors are stepping in. Media visibility is at an all-time high. Domestic earnings for players have never been more promising.

But one thing is missing.

 

Where Are the Champions?

 

 

India’s best-ranked golfer is 414th in the world, a massive gap to the global elite.

 

Despite the booming ecosystem, India’s top-ranked pro golfer in the world is Shubhankar Sharma at World No. 414, followed by Gaganjeet Bhullar at 518.

That’s not a gap; that’s a chasm.

 

In a sport where grinding through four-day events and rising in global rankings define greatness, Indian pros, especially the younger generation, seem stuck in neutral.

“You have everything - prize money, facilities, domestic exposure. But the fire to compete globally? That’s where we’re falling short,” said a senior golf analyst.

 

Kapil Dev’s Vision: Support With Accountability

Since taking charge of PGTI in 2021, Kapil Dev has poured energy, vision, and resources into Indian golf. But he’s made one thing very clear : This isn’t a retirement plan for comfortable careers. It’s a platform for building champions.

 

 

Dinesh Thakur, Founder & CEO of 4moles.com asking Question To Kapil Dev, President of PGTI at a Press Conference

 

“Let the kite fly. Don’t cut the string so early.” Kapil said, when asked about the future of IGPL.
“Real competition is when you grind, fight, and win. The system will adapt, but hunger can’t be taught.”

He believes in giving young players every facility but also holding them accountable for results.

 

Amandeep Johl: IGPL May Offer Livelihood, But Not Legacy

PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl echoed that sentiment while speaking exclusively to 4moles.com:

 

“We’re not banning anyone. But let’s be honest, you can’t play both tours. You have to choose.”
“IGPL may offer livelihood. But it won’t make you champions.”
“India didn’t become the 4th largest economy by taking shortcuts. And that applies to golf too.”

 

 

 

Aksh Gupta, Journalist at 4moles.com Taking Media Bite of Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI

 

He’s right. There’s a big difference between playing for guaranteed money and playing under pressure, when every shot counts.

 

Infrastructure Is Here. Now Where’s the Fire?

From Massive branding and Live Digital Streaming to lucrative prize pools and consistent sponsorships, professional golf in India is finally standing on strong legs. The leadership has delivered. The stage is set.

 

And yet, world-class performances are missing.

“Look around. No other individual sport in India offers this much money and structure domestically. So why are we not producing top-100 players?” asked a leading coach.

 

Is Indian Golf At a Crossroads?

Some believe the new wave of pros are too comfortable. The hunger, the grind, the accountability- all seem to have taken a back seat. Players can now make lakhs without stepping outside India. But that comfort may be costing them international success.

 

“Are we building champions for the global stage… or entertainers for the local leaderboard?”
“When will we see an Indian lift a trophy on the PGA Tour or in a Major?”
“Will guaranteed money create pressure-tested athletes… or just satisfied performers?”

These are the questions fans of Indian golf are asking out loud.

 

Join the Conversation

It’s time to have the real conversation. The infrastructure is here. The money is real. The intent is solid.

But will the players rise to the moment?

 

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO NOW!

 

Head over to the 4moles.com Discussion Forum and join the debate.

What do you think:
Are young Indian pros ready to grind for greatness or are they settling for comfort?