What Is 2018 Professional Golf Tour of India

Overview

The 2018 Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) marked the 11th season of the country's premier men's professional golf circuit, sanctioned by the Indian Golf Union. Organized by the Professional Golf Tour of India, the season featured a packed calendar of events across multiple states, aiming to elevate the standard of Indian golf and provide a competitive platform for homegrown talent.

The tour attracted top Indian players and several international participants, fostering growth in the sport at the professional level. With increased prize money and broader geographic reach, the 2018 season played a crucial role in player development and national visibility for golf in India.

• Ajeetesh Sandhu emerged as the top earner of the season, winning the PGTI Order of Merit with total earnings of ₹1.32 crore from consistent performances.
• The season included a total of 21 tournaments, beginning with the McLeod Russel Tour Championship in February and concluding with the PGTI National Golf Championship in December.
• Total prize money across all events amounted to ₹9.4 crore (approximately $1.4 million USD), reflecting a significant investment in Indian golf.
• Tournaments were hosted in diverse locations including West Bengal, Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jammu & Kashmir, enhancing regional participation and exposure.
• The PGTI partnered with sponsors such as Hero MotoCorp and McLeod Russel to boost event funding and media coverage throughout the season.

How It Works

The PGTI operates as a membership-based tour that awards ranking points and prize money based on tournament finishes, culminating in an annual Order of Merit. Players earn status and future opportunities based on their performance across the season’s events.

• Order of Merit: The season-long points and earnings leaderboard determines player rankings. Ajeetesh Sandhu topped it in 2018 with ₹1.32 crore in prize money.
• Tournament Structure: Events are typically 72-hole stroke play competitions, with cut rules applied after 36 holes to narrow the field for weekend rounds.
• Eligibility: Membership in the PGTI is required to compete, with categories based on amateur status, past performance, and qualifying school results.
• Prize Money Distribution: Each tournament allocates prize funds, with the winner typically receiving 20–25% of the total purse, distributed down to 60th place.
• World Ranking Points: Selected PGTI events offer Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, helping players improve global standing and qualify for international events.
• Development Pathway: Strong performances can earn players access to the Asian Tour or co-sanctioned events, serving as a critical stepping stone for international careers.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2018 PGTI season compared to other regional tours in terms of scale and structure:

While the PGTI prize funds are modest compared to global tours, its role in nurturing Indian talent is significant. The 2018 season demonstrated steady growth, especially in event frequency and player earnings, positioning it as a vital developmental circuit.

Why It Matters

The 2018 PGTI season was a milestone in the professionalization of golf in India, offering players a structured, competitive environment to grow their careers. Its success helped attract sponsorships, media attention, and greater public interest in domestic golf.

• The tour provided over 150 playing opportunities for Indian professionals, reducing reliance on international circuits for competitive experience.
• Strong performances in 2018 helped players like Shiv Kapur and Kaushik Chinnappa gain entry into Asian Tour events.
• Increased prize money encouraged younger athletes to pursue golf as a viable career path in a traditionally cricket-dominated sports culture.
• Co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour raised the competitive standard and offered valuable OWGR points to Indian players.
• The PGTI’s outreach in non-metro cities helped democratize access to elite-level golf infrastructure and coaching.
• Television and digital coverage expanded in 2018, increasing fan engagement and commercial viability for future seasons.

As India’s golfing ecosystem continues to evolve, the 2018 PGTI season stands out as a foundational year that strengthened the sport’s professional framework and inspired a new generation of players.