What Is 2015 Professional Golf Tour of India

Overview

The 2015 season of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) marked the ninth year of the country’s premier men’s professional golf circuit. Organized by the Professional Golfers Association of India, the tour aimed to elevate the standard of Indian golf through structured competition and increased prize purses.

With a growing emphasis on player development and international exposure, the 2015 calendar featured a mix of standalone events and co-sanctioned tournaments with the Asian Tour. This integration helped Indian golfers gain world ranking points and prepare for global competition.

• 24 tournaments were held across India between January and December 2015, including events in Punjab, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
• The total prize money for the season exceeded ₹33 crore, a significant increase from previous years due to enhanced sponsorships.
• The Order of Merit, awarded to the top performer based on season-long earnings, was claimed by Ajeetesh Sandhu with ₹1.37 crore in winnings.
• The inaugural PGTI Players Championship was held in December 2015 at the Delhi Golf Club, offering a ₹1.5 crore purse.
• Seven events were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, including the Panasonic Open India, boosting player participation and media attention.

How It Works

The PGTI operates as a merit-based tour where professional golfers earn ranking points and prize money based on tournament performance. The structure supports player development and provides a pathway to international tours.

• Order of Merit: The player with the highest season-long earnings wins the Order of Merit; in 2015, Ajeetesh Sandhu earned ₹1.37 crore to claim the title.
• Tournament Format: Most events follow a 72-hole stroke play format, with a cut after 36 holes to reduce the field for the final rounds.
• Eligibility: Players must be PGTI members, which requires passing a handicap and fitness evaluation administered by the PGTI committee.
• Co-Sanctioning: Events like the Panasonic Open were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, allowing players to earn Official World Golf Ranking points.
• Prize Distribution: Typically, 20% of the purse goes to the winner, with the remainder distributed down to 60th place based on a tiered payout structure.
• Ranking Points: Players earn points based on finishing position, used to determine seeding and eligibility for higher-tier events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2015 PGTI season with other major golf tours in terms of structure, prize money, and opportunities.

While the PGTI operates on a smaller scale than global tours, its 2015 season demonstrated significant growth. The inclusion of co-sanctioned events allowed Indian players to gain international experience and ranking points, bridging the gap between domestic and global competition.

Why It Matters

The 2015 PGTI season was a milestone in the professionalization of Indian golf, providing structure, visibility, and financial incentives for homegrown talent. It laid the foundation for future growth and international integration.

• Player Development: The tour helped nurture emerging talents like Kaushik Chatterjee and Shubhankar Sharma, who later joined the Asian Tour.
• Economic Impact: Tournaments generated local revenue through tourism, hospitality, and media coverage in host cities across India.
• Sponsorship Growth: Major brands like Panasonic and Hero MotoCorp increased investment, signaling confidence in Indian golf.
• Global Exposure: Co-sanctioning with the Asian Tour enabled Indian golfers to earn Official World Golf Ranking points.
• Pathway to Pro: The PGTI served as a critical stepping stone for amateurs transitioning to professional careers.
• National Pride: Successes in 2015 boosted the profile of Indian golf, inspiring youth participation and media interest.

The 2015 season underscored the PGTI’s role in transforming Indian golf into a competitive, organized, and financially viable sport. Its legacy continues to influence player development and tour expansion in the region.