By Rahul Banerji
Global golf tourism and trade figures including Peter Walton, president and chief executive of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), Bruce MacPhee, senior agronomist and Mike Orloff, managing director of Golf Industry Central, are among the 500 delegates expected at the 8th Indian Golf and Turf Expo (IGE) 2019 in New Delhi on April 26 and 27.
IGE, which is South Asia’s largest golf industry trade show is scheduled at the Thyagraj stadium and returns to the national capital after last year’s seventh edition was held in Bangalore, a statement from the event’s organisers said.
Speaking at the launch of the event in Delhi on Wednesday, tourism ministry joint secretary Suman Billa said, “The ministry of tourism has long identified golf as a potential tourism booster and has taken several measures including developing more public courses to grow and promote the sport in the country.
“This year’s IGE has also involved turf experts and professionals in a big way. This is important to ensure that the best of infrastructure is available in the country, not only to boost the prospects of golf, where quality turf plays a critical role in boosting the standards of the game.”
Big targets
Rishi Narain, former Asian Games Gold medalist, added “The golf industry association has set a target to generate revenue of Rs 100 crore (approx $15 million) in the next five years through golf tourism”
IGE 2019 will see around 50 domestic and international exhibitors display their products along with conferences by eminent speakers. There will also be simulators to hone golf skills, putting and snag golf competitions, networking lunches, evening cocktails and a gala dinner.
About 37 golf clubs from around the country have confirmed participation.
Said Deepali Shah Gandhi, president of event promoters Golf Industry Association, “… IGE brings together key partners and contributors to the sport, whose efforts have enabled stars like Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shubhankar Sharma make a name for themselves.
“The GIA welcomes all delegates and guests to IGE 2019 and hope they have a fruitful time at the expo.”
Wide participation
Other industry bodies at IGE 2019 will include the Indian Golf Union, the Women’s Golf Association of India and the Golf Course Superintendents and Managers Association of India (GCSMAI). The event is supported by Incredible !ndia.
India has over 240 golf courses and about 150,000 individuals play the game across age groups. Over the past five plus years, India has attracted close to $700 million of investment
Also read: Turkey’s Regnum Golf & Country Club Bodrum sets an example
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