What Is 2019 Professional Golf Tour of India

Overview

The 2019 season of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) marked the 13th year of the country's premier men's professional golf circuit. Organized under the aegis of the Indian Golf Union, the tour provided a competitive platform for Indian golfers to earn world ranking points and qualify for international events.

Spanning from February to December 2019, the season featured a packed schedule of 25 official tournaments across 10 Indian states. With increasing sponsorship and media coverage, the 2019 edition highlighted the growing professionalism and depth in Indian golf talent.

• 25 official events were held across India, including flagship tournaments like the Indian Open and McLeod Russel Tour Championship, showcasing national talent.
• The total prize purse for the season exceeded ₹15 crore, reflecting growth in sponsorship and financial support for domestic golf.
• Ajeetesh Sandhu emerged as the top earner, winning the PGTI Order of Merit with ₹94.5 lakh in prize money.
• The season kicked off with the McLeod Russel Tour Championship in February 2019, setting the tone for a competitive year.
• PGTI events were held in diverse locations including West Bengal, Karnataka, Haryana, and Maharashtra, promoting golf beyond traditional hubs.

How It Works

The Professional Golf Tour of India operates as a merit-based circuit where players accumulate points and prize money through tournament performances. The structure supports player development and offers pathways to international tours.

• Order of Merit: The season-long ranking is based on total prize money earned. The top player, Ajeetesh Sandhu, won ₹94.5 lakh in 2019 and claimed the title.
• Tournament Format: Most events follow a 72-hole stroke play format, with cuts after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top performers.
• Eligibility: Players must hold a PGTI membership and meet qualifying criteria, including amateur status and handicap requirements.
• World Rankings: PGTI events award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, helping players improve their global standing and qualify for majors.
• Sponsorship Model: Events are funded through corporate sponsors like McLeod Russel and Indian Overseas Bank, contributing to prize purses and operational costs.
• Player Development: The tour includes a developmental PGTI Future Series, which serves as a feeder circuit for emerging talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 PGTI season compares to other major professional golf tours:

While the PGTI operates on a much smaller scale than global tours, it plays a crucial role in nurturing Indian golfers. The tour’s integration with the Asian Tour and OWGR system allows top performers to gain international exposure. In 2019, several PGTI players qualified for Asian Tour events based on their performances, demonstrating the tour’s growing influence.

Why It Matters

The 2019 PGTI season was pivotal in advancing professional golf in India, providing structure and visibility for homegrown talent. It helped bridge the gap between amateur and international professional golf.

• Develops Indian talent: The tour serves as a launchpad for Indian golfers aiming to compete on the Asian Tour and globally.
• Boosts national rankings: Strong PGTI performances improve India’s presence in the Official World Golf Rankings.
• Encourages investment: Corporate sponsorships like McLeod Russel show growing confidence in Indian sports infrastructure.
• Expands golf access: Hosting events in multiple states increases grassroots interest and participation in the sport.
• Provides career pathways: The PGTI Future Series and Order of Merit offer clear progression for aspiring professionals.
• Strengthens international ties: Co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour enhance competitiveness and exposure for Indian players.

Overall, the 2019 season underscored the Professional Golf Tour of India’s role as a vital engine for the sport’s growth in the country, setting the stage for future expansion and success.