New Delhi: The Indian golf ecosystem is on the verge of a landmark transformation with the launch of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) — the country’s first professional league to feature both men and women competing together in franchise-based teams and regional circuits.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, IGPL has partnered with the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) to ensure equal prize money, structured opportunities, and increased visibility for female athletes.
“Win-win situation for everyone” — WGAI General Secretary Champika Sayal
For WGAI General Secretary Champika Sayal, the collaboration signals a new era for Indian golf.
“We do not have such a busy calendar, and have been able to have a great timeshare understanding for our athletes with the IGPL. It’s a great win-win situation for everyone, especially the players,” she said during a virtual media roundtable.
Sayal further explained how the “timeshare concept” between IGPL and WGAI would allow athletes to manage workload and rest periods effectively.
“We are going to have two weeks dedicated to the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour and two weeks in the month dedicated to the IGPL events. We are encouraging our players to play in the Ladies European Tour and in the IGPL. We want them to grow in such a way that they are fit enough to play in all these tours without any problem.”
On the women’s selection process, Sayal clarified:
“From the Hero Order of Merit, the top six players will get in automatically for IGPL and six other players will be invited to play on the tour from any part of the world. It will be 12 women all together. It’s a limited field which makes it more workable.”
She also underlined the global context for such a format:
“One key takeaway from the IGPL is that golf is a very individual game. But at the Olympic level, in 2028, we will see a new mixed doubles format with foursomes and four-ball better ball between men’s and women’s events. Globally, there has been a push to make the sport more fun and creative, with a focus on evolving the game for the younger generation.”
Women golfers welcome equal pay & visibility
Top Indian women golfers have welcomed IGPL as a game-changing opportunity.
Vani Kapoor, currently leading the Hero Women’s Golf Tour Order of Merit with four titles this year, said:
“I am super excited about IGPL. It marks a new era for Indian golf, making the sport more visible, fun, aspirational, and accessible. It also opens up more career opportunities in golf.”
She admitted the league is too tempting to miss:
“Even if I am tired, I would want to play or else I would have this fear of missing out or FOMO (laughs). While the Ladies European Tour is my priority, IGPL offers equal opportunity and inclusivity, and that is something I definitely would want to be part of.”
Echoing the sentiment, Ridhima Dilawari, currently ranked second on the Order of Merit, highlighted the branding advantage.
“IGPL not only offers women an equal platform to play and earn but also lets us express ourselves and share our stories. The media focus during tournaments will help people connect more with the players.”
On balancing tours, she added:
“Balancing IGPL with the European Tour will be a challenge, but IGPL offers a unique chance to build our brand and profile. Beyond just playing, it helps market us as professionals, especially with its formats and mixed field.”
Major backers & grassroots focus
With cricket legend Yuvraj Singh on board as co-owner and brand ambassador, an MoU with the Indian Golf Union (IGU), and the backing of the Sports Ministry, IGPL is positioning itself as the premier golf league in India.
The first edition will run between September and December 2025, with 8–10 tournaments across Indian cities. IGPL also aims to create a pipeline of future golfers by introducing mentorship programs, tie-ups with schools and universities, and exposure to international legends.
A new era for Indian golf
With its inclusive structure, equal pay, and integrated approach, IGPL promises to not just host tournaments but redefine Indian golf for the next generation.
As Sayal summed it up:
“IGPL is going to have 8–10 events in the first year, and these competitions will take place at times when the players are already available here in India. It is a model that works for everyone — the athletes, the fans, and the sport itself.”
