New Delhi, Feb 23: The Indian Golf Premier League on Monday announced a USD 100 million capital commitment from 10 franchise partners across the country, with each investor pledging approximately USD 10 million over a 10-year period, signalling a long-term push to professionalise and expand the sport.
The IGPL staged its inaugural pro tour last year, comprising 11 events played in a 54-hole, mixed-gender, no-cut format with a prize purse of Rs 1.5 crore per tournament. The tour included events in India, Dubai and Colombo.
The body had in July last year announced plans for a city-based franchise league, initially slated for a January-February window. While the event did not materialise as scheduled, IGPL on Monday confirmed the franchise ownership details for the upcoming edition.
The franchise rights have been awarded to Hyderabad (Phoenix), Mumbai (Atri), Kolkata (Flyingman Academy), Delhi (RVR Infra), Chennai (Vimtra Ventures), Visakhapatnam (Green Fuels), Goa (Auro Realty), Bengaluru (GolfKonnekt), Punjab (Krishna Auto) and Gurugram (Honer Homes Consortium).
The IGPL said the league format, tournament schedule, and player auction details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Beyond league operations, the franchise partners have collectively committed USD 250 million towards infrastructure development, including plans to build compact eight to 10-acre golf facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and rural areas.
The IGPL also released its 2026 calendar for the first leg of its tour, which will begin with the IGPL Invitational at Chandigarh Golf Club from March 11 to 13, followed by the IGPL Invitational Mauritius from April 9 to 11 at Heritage Golf Club, hosted by Leander Paes.
The tour will then move to Royal Johannesburg Golf Club in South Africa from April 15 to 17, before heading to Golf Club Lubumbashi in Congo from April 20 to 22.
Another IGPL Invitational is scheduled from May 27 to 29 at a venue yet to be announced, while the Bharath Classic 2026 will be staged from June 4 to 7, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
The IGPL also outlined a global expansion roadmap, targeting a presence across India, Africa and the Middle East in its inaugural year, with plans to operate in five countries within the next three to four years.
Interestingly, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has also launched its inaugural edition of ‘72 The League’ with the first day of play scheduled for Tuesday.
The league, which will rotate across three premier Delhi-NCR courses, is a fast-paced match-play team format featuring singles, four-ball, and foursomes. (PTI)
