The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) took a significant step forward in shaping the future of professional golf in India with the official announcement of squads for all ten franchises ahead of the 2026 season.
Unveiled at a high-profile event in New Delhi, the squad finalisation marks a defining milestone for a league that aims to redefine how golf is played, consumed, and developed in the country.
The event, held at The Oberoi, saw cricket icon Yuvraj Singh and IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundy present the line-ups, bringing together some of the most prominent Indian professionals alongside emerging talent. Beyond the squad announcements, the evening also underlined the league’s larger vision one that extends beyond competition into infrastructure, tourism, and grassroots development.
A team format to reshape golf’s identity
At the heart of IGPL’s innovation lies its team-based structure an approach rarely seen in a sport traditionally defined by individual performance. Yuvraj Singh, co-founder of the league, emphasised how this format has the potential to transform the sport’s appeal.
“The team component will make the game exciting with its fast pace,” Yuvraj said, highlighting how collective scoring and franchise loyalty could create a more engaging product for fans. In IGPL, each team consists of four players, with the best two scores each day contributing to the team total introducing strategy, depth, and pressure dynamics rarely associated with conventional golf tournaments.
This hybrid format allows players to compete for individual prize money while simultaneously contributing to their team’s standing over the course of the season. The cumulative points system will ultimately determine the top-performing franchises, adding a league narrative that builds across multiple events.
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The announcement also drew strong endorsement from Union Minister for Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who described IGPL’s commitment to mobilising US$2 billion in golf and tourism infrastructure as a “watershed moment” for Indian sport.
Positioning golf as a driver of high-value tourism, Shekhawat pointed to global examples such as Mauritius, Vietnam, and South Africa countries that have successfully leveraged golf to attract international visitors and investment. With IGPL, India aims to replicate and scale that model.
The proposed investment is expected to fuel the development of world-class golf destinations across the country, integrating sport with hospitality, infrastructure, and economic growth. This aligns with the broader national vision of positioning India as a premium global tourism hub while creating employment and long-term revenue streams.
A packed calendar with global exposure
The 2026 IGPL season will feature 15 events, blending domestic and international exposure. Ten tournaments will be staged across franchise home cities in India, while five international legs will expand the league’s footprint. The first set of overseas events is scheduled to take place in Mauritius, South Africa, and Congo.
This structure not only enhances the competitive ecosystem but also ensures Indian players gain exposure to varied playing conditions an essential factor in bridging the gap between domestic circuits and global tours.
CEO Uttam Singh Mundy highlighted that the scheduling is designed to complement, rather than restrict, player participation in international competitions. “The periods between IGPL events will allow our players to compete globally, whether on the Asian Tour, International Series, or other tours,” he said.
The long-term objective is clear: to create a pipeline that enables Indian golfers to transition seamlessly into elite global circuits, including the International Series and the LIV Golf League.
Building an ecosystem beyond competition
While the league format and tournament calendar are central to IGPL’s immediate identity, its broader ambition lies in ecosystem development. Mundy reiterated that IGPL is committed to expanding access to golf across the country.
Plans are already in place to increase the number of golf courses and driving ranges, addressing one of the key barriers to entry in the sport. Additionally, initiatives like the “Golf on Wheels” programme aim to introduce the game to younger audiences by taking equipment and coaching directly to schools.
This grassroots focus is critical in a country where golf remains relatively niche compared to other sports. By decentralising access and creating structured pathways, IGPL hopes to widen the talent pool and build long-term sustainability.
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The ten franchises represent a diverse mix of experience and emerging talent, reflecting the league’s dual focus on performance and development.
Among the standout teams, RVR Delhi GC boasts a formidable lineup featuring seasoned professionals like Shiv Kapur and Gaurav Ghei, alongside younger players such as Aryan Roopa Anand and Chiragh Kumar. Vimtra Chennai GC, led by Gaganjeet Bhullar, also promises strong performances with a balanced squad.
Other franchises such as Atri Mumbai GC, Phoenix Hyderabad GC, and Krishna Punjab GC feature a mix of established Indian professionals and rising stars, ensuring competitive parity across the league. Each squad has been strategically assembled to balance consistency, adaptability, and depth key factors in a format where team scoring dynamics can influence outcomes as much as individual brilliance.
The launch of IGPL in its current format signals a pivotal moment for Indian golf. By integrating a franchise model, international exposure, and infrastructure investment, the league is attempting to address multiple structural challenges simultaneously.
For players, it offers a stable competitive platform with financial incentives and global visibility. For fans, it introduces a new way of engaging with the sport. And for the broader ecosystem, it provides a blueprint for sustainable growth.
As the 2026 season approaches, the focus will now shift from announcements to execution. If IGPL can deliver on its ambitious vision both on and off the course it could redefine not just the trajectory of golf in India, but also its place within the global sporting landscape.
