WRITTEN BY AKSH GUPTA

 

On 5th September at Zion Hills, professional golfer Rahil Gangjee guided his Team, KHT Bangalore Eagles to victory in the Golf Rendezvous PRO-AM League. The win secured his side a fully paid 4D/5N trip to the international finale in Chiang Mai. But it was his words after the round that made even more headlines.

 

 

Speaking exclusively to 4moles.com, Rahil said he always wondered what team owners truly get in return when they invest in golf. For the first time, he felt this league gave owners real value, with clear cash returns on their investment.

 

He then shifted focus to a larger issue. Rahil admitted he is far from happy with corporate India’s involvement in golf. According to him, the support that players receive is nowhere near enough. Drawing a sharp comparison with Thailand, he said professionals there are backed with sponsors the moment they turn pro, often flying business class to tournaments. In the early 2000s, India and Thailand had almost equal representation on the Asian Tour. Today, Thailand boasts 14 players in the top 25, while India struggles to have 10 names across the entire Tour.

 

 

Dinesh Thakur, Founder & CEO of 4moles.com in a candid convo with Rahil Gangjee during Golf Rendezvous PRO-AM League

 

Rahil also took aim at prize money. PGTI announced a record purse of INR 33 crore in 2025, yet the two-time Asian Tour winner, who finished second on the PGTI Order of Merit in 2024, feels this still falls short of what Indian golf truly needs.

 

Watch Part 1: Rahil on the League
Watch Part 2: Rahil on Prize Money and Corporate India

 

Just days later, at the PGTI press conference at Delhi Golf Club, 4moles.com asked PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl to respond to Rahil’s concerns. His answers revealed a very different perspective.

 

On the Thailand comparison, Johl said the past should not distract from the future. On corporates, he argued they cannot be blamed and that the responsibility lies with PGTI to create value. He pointed to DP World, which has committed INR 106 crore to stage the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club next month. He expressed confidence that Indian corporates will follow once they see the same value.

 

 

(L-R): Amandeep Johl (CEO,PGTI), Kapil Dev (President, PGTI), and Amitabh Kant (Governing Member, PGTI).

 

On prize money, Johl struck an interesting note. He said he was glad players felt it was not enough because it motivates him to push harder. In his words, the slogan should always be “Dil Maange More.”

 

Johl also highlighted the entry of Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, into PGTI’s governing structure. With a track record of leading the Incredible India and Make in India campaigns, Kant has gone on record saying That Golf in India can become more popular than cricket and that the PGTI will grow into the country’s second-largest sports body after the BCCI. By 2047, the vision is for India to produce world champion golfers and world-class golf courses.

 

Watch Part 3: PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl Responds

Two strong voices. Two very different perspectives. The debate is alive.  

Pros vs PGTI. Who do you agree with more? Share your thoughts in our Exclusive Discussion Forum.