Chandigarh, India – The much-anticipated Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) marked a landmark moment for Indian golf by staging its first-ever tournament at the Chandigarh Golf Club, offering a ₹1.5 crore prize purse and introducing a fresh, alternative competitive format to the domestic circuit.
Designed as a 54-hole strokeplay, no-cut event, the IGPL mirrors elements of the LIV Golf model while breaking new ground by allowing men and women to compete on the same stage: a first for elite professional golf in India.
A field that reflected Indian golf’s full spectrum
The 53-player field showcased a rare blend of experience, youth, and emerging talent. Established professionals such as Gaganjeet Bhullar, Aman Raj, M Dharma, Shaurya Binu, and Kartik Sharma teed it up alongside seasoned campaigners Gaurav Ghei and Arjun Singh.
The tournament also spotlighted the next generation, with teenage prodigies Kartik Singh (15) and Veer Ganapathy (16) making their professional debuts after cutting short promising amateur careers.
Adding further depth were leading amateurs Harjai Milkha Singh and Zorawar Randhawa, alongside women professionals Agrima Manral, Ridhima Dilawari, and Neha Tripathi.
Yuvraj Singh champions the IGPL vision
Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, the co-founder and brand ambassador of IGPL, formally unveiled the tour a week earlier in New Delhi, drawing parallels between IGPL’s ambitions and the transformative impact of the IPL.
“IGPL provides a platform where young golfers don’t have to worry about financial constraints,” Yuvraj said. “Equality in sport is important, and this league can change the face of golf in India.”
The launch event was attended by Cho Minn Thant, Champika Sayal, Romit Bose, and Indian golf icon Shiv Kapur.
IGPL also announced a strategic partnership with the Asian Tour, providing its players entry into a USD 500,000 Asian Tour event scheduled at Kensville Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad, later this year.
Bhullar scripts history as the first IGPL champion
Veteran star Gaganjeet Bhullar, an Arjuna Awardee and 11-time Asian Tour winner, etched his name in history by becoming the first-ever IGPL champion. Bhullar posted composed rounds of 70-71-70 to finish at five-under 211, claiming the winner’s cheque of ₹22.5 lakh.
Bengaluru-based M Dharma finished runner-up at three-under, earning ₹15 lakh, while Veer Ganapathy, Kartik Sharma, and Shaurya Binu shared third place at two-under, pocketing ₹7.5 lakh each.
A new chapter for Indian golf
With its guaranteed prize money, inclusive format, and commitment to player security, the Indian Golf Premier League has opened up a new pathway for professionals and amateurs alike. While questions remain around long-term commercial sustainability, the inaugural event delivered on its promise of innovation and opportunity.
For now, IGPL has provided Indian golfers, veterans, youngsters, and women alike, with a refreshing competitive environment and an alternative source of income, setting the stage for what could be a transformative chapter in Indian golf.
