WGAI–IGPL: A Way Forward for Indian Women’s Professional Golf
After a busy summer season, the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour (HWPGT) took a short break as several top Indian players competed on the European Tour.
On the domestic circuit, the HWPGT witnessed a promising champion in young Heena Kang, who claimed victory at the 11th leg held at Prestige Golfshire, Bengaluru. With this win, she joined six other winners on the 2025 Tour. The upcoming 13th leg at DLF Golf & Country Club in September will feature the largest field of the year with 47 players, including leading Indian amateurs from the Indian Golf Union’s 2025 Order of Merit.
A Landmark Moment: The Launch of IGPL
September also marked the grand launch of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) at the Hyatt Hotel, New Delhi. The event drew India’s golfing elite, alongside the Minister for Tourism and Culture and cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, underscoring the strong support for golf’s future in India.
The IGPL offers a unique format: young golfers compete alongside India’s top male and female professionals in an invitational, no-cut event. This model provides players with more opportunities and financial security, while also opening new pathways for growth. With its time-sharing schedule alongside the HWPGT, the IGPL promises not only to elevate prize purses but also to inspire the next generation of Indian golfers.
IGPL Commissioner Uttam Mundy declared, “India is ahead of the curve,” highlighting that India is the first country to adopt this pioneering format. Beyond competition, the IGPL aims to showcase and preserve India’s historic golf courses in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Much like cricket’s IPL, the IGPL is poised to become a flagship sporting league with nationwide reach.
Indian Players on the Global Stage
India’s trio—Pranavi Urs, Tvesa Malik, and Avani Prashanth—competed at the Aramco Team Championship in Houston last weekend. Pranavi made the cut and earned over USD 5,000, marking another step forward for Indian women golfers on the international stage., Meanwhile our players continued their hard battles on the Ladies European Tour events.
Rising Participation in Women’s Golf
Closer to home, women’s golf in India continues to expand with fresh initiatives, including the formation of new women’s golf leagues. Plans for an all-women’s league team are also in the works, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity.
Looking Ahead
The spotlight now turns to the Hero Women’s Indian Open, the WGAI’s flagship championship with a Prize Purse of USD 500,000 Now in its 17th edition, the event will be staged in October at the iconic DLF Golf & Country Club, promising to be a highlight of the season and over a hundred players will be seen in action from at least thirty countries.
Champika N. Sayal
8
th September 2025
