By Rahul Banerji
DP World, title partner of the DP World Tour, has continued its partnership with The Golf Foundation India, by donating 10,000 balls, new golf clubs, clothing and training aids, at the Hero Indian Open on Thursday.
The ‘Second Life’ Golf Ball Container was launched in 2022 by the global supply chain company.
So far, repurposed balls have been sent to initiatives around the world, including the Junior Golf Foundation in Kenya, and the South African Disabled Golf Association.
A donation ceremony to mark the occasion took place at the DLF Golf and Country Club, with 15 teenagers invited by The Golf Foundation as well as a surprise visit from DP World Tour player Rahil Gangjee.
Two-time Ladies European Tour winner Diksha Dagar and the chairman of the Hero Indian Open committee, S.K. Sharma also attended the occasion.
Following the ceremony, the youngsters from Punjab’s Jandiali village were treated to an interactive golf clinic with PGTI member Aman Raj where they got a chance to hit balls alongside the DP World Tour professionals on the driving range and learn from the Indian golfer.
Good cause
The Golf Foundation, chosen as one of the beneficiaries, supports talented young golfers from underprivileged backgrounds to broaden the base of Indian golf.
The balls and gear donated will go a long way in helping the group from Punjab who currently use construction rods beaten into various clubs and ping pong balls to practice with.
The hope is that one day a new champion will be inspired to follow in the footsteps of Indian golfers such as Shubhankar Sharma and compete on the DP World Tour, the company said.
“We are delighted to receive this special donation from DP World. The golf balls and equipment will have a real impact in supporting young talent across India, especially those in Jandiali and also golfers with disabilities, making the game more accessible.
“The work that DP World is doing to help grow golf around the world is remarkable and we are very thankful that The Golf Foundation is one of their preferred beneficiaries,” said TGF founder and Asian Games gold medallist Amit Luthra.
New pledge
On Friday, DP World also announced a new initiative, ‘Balls for Birdies’ alongside the Second Life Container campaign.
During the current DP World Tour season, golf balls will be donated linked to the number of birdies, eagles and albatrosses recorded which at the end of the season will form part of a beneficiary donation, to promote grassroots golf and make golf more accessible all around the world.
The count is one ball per birdie, two for each eagle and a hundred balls for every albatross (3 under par score).
Balls for Birdies will commence at the Hero Indian Open and continue throughout the 2024 DP World Tour season, concluding at the DP World Tour Championship, before continuing in the 2025 season.
Balls for Birdies will be seen by golf fans around the world on the DP World Tour broadcast, as a number of graphics have been created, linked to the new campaign.
These will be shown at key DP World Tour events including the Genesis Scottish Open, Abu Dhabi Championship and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, a company statement said.
World number 13 and seven-time tour winner Tommy Fleetwood, who voiced the launch video, said, “DP World has played a major part in helping to grow grassroots golf.
“This new initiative is really exciting, I hope I can play my part, as will all DP World Tour members, by playing well and shooting low scores, to help donate as many balls as possible and inspire the next generation.”
Also read: Sharma faces strong Hero Indian Open field on familiar course
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