Pro golfers Karan Pratap Singh, the defending champion, (from left) and Tvesa Malik, with Grant Thornton Bharat CEO Vishesh C Chandiok, PGTI president Kapil Dev and Tour CEO Amandeep Johl at the launch of the tournament in New Delhi on Tuesday. Image courtesy PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Edition three of the Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational will see a novel mixed format pitting some of India’s top female and male professionals against one another at the Prestige Golfshire Club near Bangalore from April 23 to 26.
The Rs 2 crore event will have two parallel components, a stroke play tournament for the professionals and a daily Pro-Am with a rotating roster. It is co-sanctioned by the Women’s Golf Association of India and the Professional Golf Tour of India.
The tournament will be co-presented by PGTI president Kapil Dev and premium consulting firm Grant Thornton Bharat, and looks to drive growth and inclusivity in golf with the mixed field.
In all, 72 professionals – 60 men and 12 women – will vie for a Rs 2 crore prize fund with the winner walking away with a Rs 30 lakh cheque. It will be staged at Golfshire, adjudged India’s best golf course 2024 by the World Golf Awards.
“This is more than just a golf tournament—it’s a defining event for Indian sport and business,” said GT Bharat CEO Vishesh C. Chandiok at Tuesday’s launch of the event in New Delhi.
Common stage
“As the first professional event in India to be co-sanctioned by both the PGTI and the WGAI, it brings men and women professionals together on the same stage, competing for the same prize purse, and paired with amateur celebrities from cricket, business, government, arts and fashion.
“By breaking barriers and setting a new precedent for inclusivity in sports, we are not just growing golf—we are reshaping the future of Indian sports into one that is diverse, accessible, and truly equal,” Chandiok added.
Participating professionals will have a practice round on April 23, followed by a three-day, 54-hole championship from April 24 to 26, where they compete for the same prize purse.
The event will also feature three Pro-Am rounds in a rotational format, with 48 professionals teeing off in the morning, while the remaining 24 pair up with 72 amateurs in each of the three afternoon session.
Each Pro-Am team will comprise one professional and three amateurs using the scores of the pro’s stroke play and the amateurs’ scramble format.
Prize money will be awarded to the top three professionals in the combined standings, making this tournament a blend of high-stakes competition and camaraderie, a statement from the organisers said.
PGTI president Kapil Dev said, “With the third edition of the KDGT Invitational, we’re poised to raise the bar even higher, making this year’s event the most unforgettable yet.
“I extend my gratitude to Grant Thornton Bharat for their support in promoting golf in India and I also Prestige Golfshire.
Broader outreach
“Through this tournament, we aim to inspire a broader audience, create a larger community of enthusiasts, and most importantly, nurture the next generation of golfers, making the sport more accessible and inclusive for all.
“I’m grateful to all our partners for their commitment to shaping a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture in India. Let’s make this edition another milestone in golf’s exciting journey in our country.”
Added Tour CEO Amandeep Johl, “After the extremely successful first two editions, the eagerly awaited Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational makes a welcome return to the PGTI.
“The participation of the leading Indian lady professionals, a result of our partnership with the WGAI adds a new dimension and more excitement to the event and stresses on the theme of inclusivity in sport.
“This year’s tournament with its new format, venue and the presence of top Indian lady professionals, is set to offer a unique and memorable experience to the professionals and golf fans alike.”
Also read: Karan Pratap prevails at Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational 2023
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