Although golf is still a rich man’s game in a developing country like India, the game is gaining popularity today. There are a number of golf courses coming up in the country. Indians are also playing in par with international standards. The Indian Golf Union is taking necessary steps to improve the conditions of the golf courses. So that the players are provided with everything that is necessary to take part in any international golf tournament.
The Indian Golf Union (IGU) is a central administrative body to promote and manage golf in India. IGU came into existence in the year 1955. Until then the “Royal Calcutta Golf Club” was unofficially governing the game. The Indian Golf Union plays a host to many of the international golf tournaments. It was only under the governance of IGU that the prestigious Indian Open has become a part of the Asian PGA tour from 1998.
The Indian Golf Union has also set up another body called the Professional Golfers' Association of India (PGAI). The Hero Honda Indian Open is the oldest International Golf Tournament in India which was played in 1964 at the Delhi golf club. The hero Honda Indian open tournament of 2005 was the first golf tournament which was broadcasted live on television.
The famous Indian Golfers are Ali Sher, who was the first Indian to win the Prestigious Indian Open in 1993; he has also won the Arjuna award.
Arjun Atwal who was the first Indian to play in the US PGA tour. He also takes the credit of being the first Indian to exceed $1 million in career earnings and the first Indian golfer to win a European tour order of merit event.
Gourav Ghei was the first Indian to qualify for the prestigious British open. He has also won the Gadgil Western Masters in 1995.
Jeev Milkha Singh is the first Indian golfer to become of the European tour and won the Volvo China Open. He is the highest ranked Indian golfer in the world.
Shiv Kapur is the youngest Indian golf player who is recognized internationally and has also won gold at the 2002 Busan Asian games.
Golf is becoming a common game day by day. Lots of tournaments are being conducted by the Indian golf union every year which recognizes new talent. India is also becoming a most preferred host for international tournaments. The Indian Golf PGA tour is titled as the 'Amby Valley PGAI Tour'.
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About Indian Golf