What Is 2014 Professional Golf Tour of India

Overview

The 2014 Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) marked the sixth season of the premier men’s professional golf circuit in India. Organized by the Professional Golf Tour of India, the season aimed to promote competitive golf across the subcontinent and provide a platform for Indian and international players.

With a growing number of tournaments and increasing prize funds, the 2014 season highlighted the tour’s expansion and rising stature. Events were hosted in major Indian cities as well as in Sri Lanka, reflecting regional collaboration and broader participation.

• 28 official events were held during the 2014 season, including national opens and invitationals across India and Sri Lanka.
• The total prize money pool exceeded ₹130 million, marking a significant increase from previous years and attracting top-tier talent.
• Mithun Perera, a Sri Lankan golfer, claimed the Order of Merit title with earnings of ₹1.7 million, becoming the first foreigner to do so.
• The season kicked off in February 2014 with the McLeod Russel Tour Championship and concluded in December with the PGTI Players Championship.
• Events were held in key golfing hubs including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore, enhancing regional visibility and fan engagement.

How It Works

The Professional Golf Tour of India operates as a merit-based circuit where players earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes. The 2014 season followed a structured schedule to ensure competitive balance and maximum player participation.

• Order of Merit: This ranking system tallied players’ earnings across all official events. The player with the highest total, Mithun Perera, won the title and associated honors.
• Tournament Format: Most events followed a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top performers.
• Eligibility: Players from India and abroad could compete, though Indian nationals received priority entry in most events to support local talent development.
• Prize Money Distribution: The winner typically received 20% of the total purse, with decreasing percentages down to 60th place, ensuring broad financial incentive.
• Sanctioning Body: The PGTI, founded in 2006, governed the tour, setting rules, scheduling events, and managing player rankings and qualifications.
• International Co-sanctioning: Some 2014 events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Development Tour, allowing players to earn world ranking points and cross-regional exposure.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2014 PGTI season with previous years and peer tours reveals growth in scale and competitiveness:

The table shows that while the PGTI remains smaller than global tours, its consistent year-over-year growth in events and prize money indicates strong development. The 2014 season’s inclusion of foreign players like Perera also signaled increasing competitiveness and openness.

Why It Matters

The 2014 PGTI season played a crucial role in advancing professional golf in South Asia by creating opportunities for players and raising the sport’s profile. It served as a vital stepping stone for golfers aiming to compete on larger international stages.

• Player Development: The tour provided Indian golfers with consistent competition, helping talents like Shiv Kapur and Chikkarangappa refine their skills.
• Regional Integration: Hosting events in Sri Lanka strengthened golfing ties across South Asia and expanded the tour’s geographic footprint.
• Increased Visibility: Media coverage and sponsor interest grew in 2014, boosting the tour’s commercial viability and public recognition.
• Pathway to Global Tours: Strong performances on the PGTI helped players qualify for the Asian Tour and other international circuits.
• Economic Impact: Tournaments generated local revenue through tourism, hospitality, and event staffing in host cities.
• Youth Inspiration: Rising stars and consistent broadcasts encouraged young athletes to pursue golf as a professional career in India.

The 2014 season laid a foundation for future expansion, proving that a regional golf tour could thrive with structured management and growing investment. It remains a benchmark year for the PGTI’s evolution.