Edition eight of Indian Golf & Turf Expo to open on Friday

By Rahul Banerji

The 8th edition of the India Golf & Turf Expo, South Asia’s largest golf industry trade show, to be held on Friday and Saturday (April 26 and 27) at the Thyagraj Stadium near INA Market in New Delhi, has attracted wide attention.

Participants at the Expo include Peter Walton, president and chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tourism Operators and a world leader in developing country strategies for golf tourism, Arjun Chowdri, chief innovation officer of the flagship PGA of America which represents 40,000 professionals in the US, Bruce MacPhee, senior consulting agronomist, and Mike Orloff, managing director of Golf Industry Central (Australia).

Entry for visitors on both days of the Expo is free.

Expert opinion

IGTE 2019 will open with a presentation on golf tourism by representatives of the Ministry of Tourism followed by a discussion on ‘developing an integrated golf tourism strategy for India by Walton. This will be followed by a panel discussion on ‘New initiatives: seven success stories’ with a number of golf industry experts participating.

Discussions at the IGTE are expected to cover issues and aspects relating to the golf industry that include management and topics related real estate.

The conference and expo will bring around 60 golf clubs on one platform to exchange ideas and chalk out a future path for growing the game in India. It is expected to addresses different facets of golf and how it can contribute to the country’s economy – golf tourism being a multi- billion dollar global business.

Adding value

Also on the agenda are discussions on adding value to real estate projects, quality lifestyle development to attract international businesses; attracting investments in smart cities; enhancing air quality and environment; replenishing the water table through rain-water harvesting and usage of sewage treated water and of course improvement of health of those who play the game.

The Expo is targeting a revenue of Rs 100 crore through golf tourism in next five years and is being promoted by the Golf Industry Association, supported by the tourism ministry.

Over 500 delegates representing global golf industry and various brands are scheduled to attend IGTE.

Among attraction for visitors are golf simulators putting and indoor golf competitions, networking lunches, industry awards, a gala dinner and over 50 domestic and international exhibitors displaying their products and solutions for golf course and turf maintenance.

Representing the football industry will be Shaji Prabhakaran, president of the Delhi Soccer Association and Samir Suhag from the polo fraternity. Both sports need high quality turf pitches, and the expertise within the golf industry, can serve such requirements.

Business models

The second day of IGTE features a discussion on business models for golf-related real estate development, which will also be attended by see star Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar

This year, the Expo features a unique art exhibition by wildlife and nature contemporary artist Gita Bhattacharjee.

Leading global brands like Toro, Rainbird, Club Car and Yamaha Agri will exhibit their latest technology and machinery at the show.

Other key golf industry bodies represented at IGE 2019 include the Indian Golf Union, Women’s Golf Association of India and the Golf Course Superintendents and Managers Association of India,

Also read: Indian Golf and Turf Expo targets revenue jump over next five years