New Delhi, Aug 19 (PTI): The Women's Golf Association of India’s (WGAI) secretary general, Champika Sayal, is enthusiastic about the Olympic-style mixed team format that will debut in the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL). This initiative is seen as preparation for Indian players ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The IGPL, structured as a city-based franchise league featuring six mixed-gender teams, is scheduled to run for four weeks from January to February next year.
Sayal commented during a virtual interaction, "In January, when the teams play against each other, they are going to be exactly on the lines of what is going to happen in the Olympics – mixed foursome, and there will be a 4-ball better ball."
She added, "Most countries have been exploring this possibility of mixed tournaments. At the end of this month, there's a mixed tournament in China for USD 1.5 million – it's an indoor event. Can you imagine the kind of money and opportunities players are getting? It's changing worldwide, and we need to keep up with that."
Sayal emphasized the importance of introducing Indian players to such formats early to build confidence ahead of the Olympics. "By the time the Olympics come, there’ll be a lot more details available, and we are on the right path. It's so important for the players, male and female – they need to know each other’s game, they need to be comfortable in the format that they’re likely to play ahead," she explained.
Addressing concerns about scheduling, Sayal assured that the domestic calendar accommodates both the league and the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour. "The IGPL is going to have between 8 and 10 events in the first year, and many of these events are going to be at times when the players are already available in India. The European tour breaks for Christmas and January - there are not so many events happening over there, so that's a time that the IGPL will benefit from," Sayal said.
She further elaborated, "We're going to have two weeks dedicated to the Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour, and two weeks in the month dedicated to the IGPL events. We are encouraging our players to also go and play in the Ladies European Tour. We don't have such a busy calendar - there are 15 to 18 events in the whole year, so we've been able to do a great timeshare with the IGPL."
Sayal explained that player participation will be limited and selective. "From the Hero Order of Merit, the top 6 players will get in automatically, and 6 other players will be invited by the IGPL to play on the tour - they can be from any part of the world. So there'll be 12 women altogether, and it's a limited field, which makes it more workable," she detailed.
Discussing future international events, Sayal mentioned that talks are underway for hosting a women’s event in Karnataka. "We have been in talks with the Asian Golf Confederation, which is already running a tour backed by Korea and their partners in Southeast Asia. We have been looking for sponsors to host a smaller event in South India," Sayal stated.
Alongside this, the group is eyeing Karnataka's strong golf infrastructure, bolstered by industry support. "Our next step will be to get a good women’s event somewhere in Karnataka. They’ve got great golf courses, great facilities, and strong industry support, especially from the automotive sector. Once we get the IGPL on, it’ll open up opportunities for other sponsors to look into the prospects of using golf as a platform for their branding."
Vani Kapoor, a prominent Indian golfer, who continues to prioritize the Ladies European Tour (LET) to retain her playing rights, expressed her eagerness not to miss the IGPL. Kapoor’s impressive season, with multiple victories and a strong performance at the German Masters, further motivates her. "It's very exciting, so whenever I find the time to play on the IGPL, I would definitely play, even if I'm tired, because I'll have FOMO if I'm missing out on these events," she admitted.
While LET remains her focus, Kapoor lauds the IGPL for its contribution to the sport.
"I have to give the LET priority because I'm fighting to be the best over there and trying to keep my card for next year. But that doesn't take away anything from IGPL - the kind of platform that it's providing everyone with equal opportunity, equal pay, inclusivity - it's something that I would definitely want to be a part of."
She acknowledges her domestic accomplishments, adding, “I’ve been very grateful to win four events this year. It’s a huge confidence booster and reinstills the belief that I have it in me. I go into European Tour tournaments with a lot more confidence.”
Kapoor is optimistic that IGPL will usher a “new era” in Indian golf, promoting visibility, inclusivity, and financial empowerment for players. “I’m really super excited with IGPL coming into the picture. I feel it’s the start of a new era for Indian golf where IGPL is giving a platform for golf to be visible everywhere, making golf fun, aspirational, so that it’s more accessible now,” Kapoor enthusiastically stated.
"People can actually look at golf as a career option with so many more opportunities coming in. It’s such a great platform for both newcomers and established players. All of us can share our experiences and grow together."
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