Vanshika Jaiswal
New Delhi, Feb 22 (.) India’s first franchise-based professional golf tournament, ’72 The League’, is set to usher in a new chapter for the sport with its innovative team format, with Indian Golfers saying the new team format could help the sport in sheding its niche image and attain a mass following.
Speaking to . on the sidelines of the opening ceremony on Saturday, players expressed optimism that the league will not only enhance competitiveness but also inspire young talent to take up the sport professionally.
The league holds special significance for youngsters like Kartik Singh, who at 16 years is the youngest player in the tournament.
The Delhi boy sees it as a major step forward in his professional journey.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s my first year on the PGTI and I’m very honoured to have been selected. We are used to playing individual events, so playing in a team format will be an interesting and exciting experience,” Singh said.
He added that exposure to such formats would help Indian golfers prepare for global competitions. “It brings a different aspect to the game and can help us prepare for international team events like the President’s Cup.”
Echoing similar sentiments, brand ambassador and the first Indian to win on the PGA Tour, Arjun Atwal, said the league format could make golf more viewer-friendly. Atwal stressed that the city based franchise model followed by the league will create emotional connect among fans for the teams
“Golf has always been an individual sport, but this team format will make it faster and more exciting. Fans will be able to support their city teams, and that connection will help attract more people to the sport,” he said, adding that the league could improve overall interest, viewership and excitement around Indian golf.
For seasoned professionals, the league represents an opportunity to bring golf into the mainstream. Ajeetesh Sandhu said the new format could help the sport reach audiences who have never followed it before.
“This has the opportunity to go mainstream for the first time. The format is more exciting, with more twists and turns, and that will attract attention even from people who haven’t heard of golf before. Indian golf deserves that kind of platform,” he said.
Viraj Madappa believes the league could also play a crucial role in changing perceptions and inspiring the next generation.
“Golf has often been seen as an older person’s sport. With this format and the entertainment factor, we hope younger people will get excited about it and see it as a viable career option. That’s how long-term growth will happen,” he said.
He added that inspiring youngsters and gaining parental support would be key to the sport’s future. “If kids start taking up golf and parents see it as a profession where one can build a career, that’s when the real impact will be visible.”
ICC Chairman Jay Shah unveiled the league trophy in the presence of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President Kapil Dev and CEO Amandeep Johl.
’72 The League’, featuring six franchises, Capital Lancers (Delhi), Charminar Champions (Hyderabad), Kolkata Classics, Mumbai Aces, Rajasthan Regals, and UP Prometheans, will be held across three Delhi-NCR venues from February 24 to March 6.
Players believe the league could mark the beginning of a transformation for Indian golf by increasing its popularity, strengthening its professional ecosystem, and creating new opportunities for emerging talent.
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