Will Bhullar, Neha Tripathi, Amandeep Drall and Kartik Singh Shine in the First IGPL Invitational Golf?

Chandigarh, Sep 9 (NationPress) An exhilarating combination of seasoned and emerging golfers is ready to launch a transformative chapter in Indian golf as the inaugural IGPL Invitational kicks off at the prestigious Chandigarh Golf Club on Wednesday. The IGPL introduces an innovative format that unites talents from all sectors - including both male and female professional golfers along with top amateurs.

The IGPL Tour will feature a series of events with substantial rewards, including an impressive purse of Rs 1.5 crore for each event throughout a season that will extend until December and encompass a total of 11 tournaments.

A visibly delighted Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of IGPL and a former professional golfer with a remarkable track record, expressed, “Thank you all for being here at the press conference for the inaugural event of the IGPL tour. It’s a joy to be at my home club, Chandigarh Golf Club, and I am genuinely thankful for their continuous support. The IGPL is committed to being forward-thinking, innovative, and inclusive - showcasing both male and female professionals competing for the same prize pool, a groundbreaking initiative worldwide.”

He continued, “This isn’t merely a golf tour; it’s a celebration of the sport, emphasizing entertainment, lifestyle, and growth. We are establishing something grander than golf - developing academies, driving ranges, and nurturing grassroots programs. Thank you once more for being here, and we anticipate seeing you throughout the tour.”

At the forefront of this star-studded lineup is Gaganjeet Bhullar, India’s most accomplished golfer on the Asian circuit, boasting 11 victories across various events in the region, along with other triumphs both domestically and internationally.

Bhullar stated, “I want to extend my gratitude to everyone present for supporting the IGPL. We have been contemplating this concept for a considerable time, exploring what format will generate excitement in Indian golf. I appreciate the IGPL team for their dedicated efforts over the past 4-5 months to bring this all together.”

“Upon entering a golf club, one feels as though they are participating in the European Tour or the PGA Tour. Chandigarh Golf Club is my home course. I have played here for many years, and I am incredibly excited that the first event will be hosted here. I would also like to commend the staff, as the golf course remains superb despite the heavy rain over the last few days.”

Additionally, Bhullar announced that his foundation has contributed $100,000 to the Khalsa Aid Foundation to assist flood victims in Punjab.

Aadil Bedi, a local star with a solid record both in India and abroad, expressed his delight at being at his home club, stating, “This has been my home club for many years. I have witnessed numerous tournaments, but the anticipation for IGPL surpasses any other event. It has been in development for many years, and commencing from Chandigarh is the icing on the cake. I wish all male and female players the best.”

Aadil also declared that he intends to donate 100% of his winnings to the Punjab flood relief fund.

Neha Tripathi, an experienced golfer from IGPL’s partner organization, Women’s Golf Association of India, and a multiple titleholder, shared her excitement, saying, “I want to express my gratitude to the co-founders for launching the league. The buzz has been building for a long time. I am eager for it to commence. The format of male and female players competing together presents a valuable opportunity for earnings and personal growth. Beyond the camaraderie, it’s a great chance to learn from one another for future competitions.”

Other notable participants include the trailblazing Gaurav Ghei, a key player on the IGPL circuit and the first Indian to compete at the Open, who has three Asian Tour victories under his belt. Former Indian Open Champion C Muniyappa and Asian Tour victor Chiragh Kumar are also among the distinguished winners on the Asian Tour.

Among India’s most promising young talents turning professional this week are Kartik Singh, who participated in the International Series earlier this year and has represented India at various events in recent years, and Veer Ganapathy, son of former pro Rahul Ganapathy, who was a prolific performer in his prime and now coaches a talented group of juniors in Bengaluru.

The competition will feature 54 players vying for the substantial purse of Rs. 1.5 crore, distributed according to their performance. With no cuts in the tournament, all participants will walk away with significant prizes.

The lineup includes 10 women who have excelled on the Women’s Pro Golf Tour, featuring names like Amandeep Drall, a former runner-up at the Ladies European Tour event, the Women’s Indian Open, and champions from the domestic pro circuit like Neha Tripathi, Seher Atwal, Jasmine Shekar, Vidhatri Urs, and Heena Kang.

One of the most thrilling innovations in the IGPL Tour is the inclusion of talented amateurs. The inaugural event will showcase India’s reigning All India Amateur champion, Mannat Brar, who made history by being the first Indian to reach the last 16 of the prestigious R&A Women’s Amateur. Last year, she finished third at the R&A Girls Championship.

Two rising stars, Harjai Milkha Singh and Zorawar Randhawa, sons of legendary Indian golfers Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa, will compete alongside top Indian male and female professionals for a taste of elite competition. The legendary Jeev Milkha and Randhawa are also expected to make appearances in the IGPL later in the season.

In light of the ongoing challenges and relief efforts in the region, the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) management, participating players, and brand ambassador Yuvraj Singh announced a contribution to the relief efforts in Punjab during the Chandigarh tour.

This initiative will be funded through prize money, merchandise, and donations from the tournament. Furthermore, the team is dispatching a truck loaded with essentials to the flood-affected areas and organizing a bike rally in the region to raise further awareness and contributions.

IGPL officials stated, “We deeply empathize with the victims of the devastating floods in Punjab, and we stand united with the affected families during these trying times.”

The Chandigarh event marks the first of the IGPL series, which will continue through December and will be succeeded by a unique IGPL League, the first of its kind in India.