New Delhi, May 15, 2008: Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) today announced the “PGTI Players Championships”, a series of four events, wherein each zone of the country (north, west, east and south) will host one event, every season. The first PGTI Players Championship, a Rs. 30 lakh event, will be played at the Chandigarh Golf Club from 28-31 May, 2008. These championships are supported by TaylorMade, Pepsico, Gatorade, Aquafina, Tropicana and CNBC-TV18.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gautam Thapar, Group Chairman, Avantha Group and President, PGTI, said “A revolutionary concept, the PGTI Players Championships herald a new era for Indian professional golf. The introduction of the Players Championships is in line with our vision to take Indian professional golf to a global level. These tournaments will provide ample opportunities for young professionals to play their best and prepare themselves for international tournaments.”
PGTI’s latest initiative will provide the required momentum to the Indian professional golf circuit. These championships will not only provide PGTI members with more opportunities, but will also make the Indian tour more lucrative. An annual feature in the PGTI calendar, the championships will help generate greater awareness about the sport.
“The introduction of the Players Championships emphasizes that PGTI is, in a true sense a ‘body by the players for the players’. The players will now get more opportunities to compete and enhance their skills that will in turn help them win laurels for the country at the international level,” said Mr. Ajai Gupta, Tour Commissioner, PGTI.
“This is a step in the right direction and will make the Indian tour reach the level of other international tours. With an attractive purse, these four events will surely attract more professionals and also encourage amateurs into the professional fold,” said PGTI Board Member and top Indian professional Jyoti Randhawa.
European Tour regular Shiv Kapur added, “The PGTI Players Championships will draw professionals from all over Asia, making the Indian tour more exciting and challenging. It will also encourage youngsters to take up golf professionally.”