The Indian Golf Union (IGU) delegation, comprising council members Shashank Sandu and Sameer Sinha, participated in the globally celebrated Masters Tournament 2025, held from April 7 to 13 at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club.
During the week, the IGU delegation engaged with some of the most influential figures and senior officials from the international golfing community to advocate India’s golf development agenda. Their visit formed part of a broader initiative by the Indian Golf Union to expand its global footprint and drive growth at the grassroots level.
IGU delegation met Arnaud Laborde, CEO of Rolex, and presented the organisation’s efforts to strengthen Junior and Amateur golf in India. Mr. Laborde lauded the grassroots approach and expressed interest in tracking the initiative’s progress, signalling openness to future support.
The same day, the IGU delegation made a detailed presentation to Anthony Scanlon, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation. The delegates outlined the Current Status and Future Plans for Golf in India under the leadership of IGU President Brijinder Singh. Mr. Scanlon described India as a “sleeping giant” in golf, noting its immense potential to produce a world champion in the near future.
The IGU delegation attended the launch of The Unconquerable Game, a book by Nicholas Callaway, son of Ely Callaway, founder of Callaway Golf. Mr. Callaway pledged his support by offering golf equipment for underprivileged children in India, strengthening IGU’s Junior development programme and making the game more accessible across India.
Commenting on the visit, Sameer Sinha, IGU Council Member, said, “I feel proud to represent India at The Masters. This visit was a valuable opportunity to build global connections and share India’s vision for golf. We are excited about the support we have received and look forward to taking the game to the next level in India.”
“Ahmedabad offers ideal infrastructure for golfers, with two International-standard golf courses and golf academies. We are focused on taking golf to the grassroots level, and with continued support from international bodies, the results are bound to follow,” he added.
A key highlight of the visit was the invitation to the exclusive Chairman’s Dinner, hosted by Fred Ridley, Chairman of The Masters. Mr. Sandu shared key updates on IGU’s initiatives to promote golf in India. The IGU delegates networked with senior golf administrators from across the world, including Chile, Brazil, Belgium, Bolivia, China, Croatia, Venezuela, and more, actively exchanging ideas, insights, and strategies to further the growth of the sport on a global scale.
The IGU delegation also held meetings with Dominic Wall, Head of Royal & Ancient Golf, Asia Pacific, and Niall Farquharson, Chairman of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, both of whom echoed strong support for growth of golf in India. Mr. Sandu also proposed introducing agronomy and turf management courses during discussions with Brad Burgess, CEO of Sports Turf Solutions, to build local capacity in turf development and enhance India’s sports infrastructure.
Mr. Sandu and Mr. Sinha were among the dignitaries at The Masters 2025 Prize Presentation Ceremony, closing a fruitful visit underscoring India’s growing stature in global golf.
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