Kapil Dev's Impact on Indian Golf: A Testimony from Jeev Milkha
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Synopsis
Jeev Milkha Singh praises Kapil Dev for his contributions to the PGTI, highlighting the upcoming busy schedule for professional golfers in 2025. Singh emphasizes the need for more public golf facilities to encourage youth participation.
Key Takeaways
- Kapil Dev is enhancing support for pro golfers through PGTI.
- 2025 calendar reveals 11 weeks of competitions for professionals.
- Golf is gaining popularity in India with rising talent.
- Jeev advocates for more public golf courses to foster youth interest.
- Upcoming tournaments for Jeev include events in India and Morocco.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Indian golfing legend Jeev Milkha Singh has commended the initiatives taken by the current President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), cricket icon Kapil Dev, for successfully supporting professional golfers in India. The PGTI head recently announced an exciting lineup for the first half of the 2025 calendar year, featuring professional players competing for 11 consecutive weeks at various venues, a significant increase from the nine events held during the first half of 2024.
"Kapil Dev is a true sportsman. He understands the challenges faced by other athletes. Leading PGTI, he is making substantial contributions for professional golfers in India. I am optimistic that with his presidency, the sport of golf will flourish and gain more recognition," Jeev expressed to IANS on Thursday. "Golf is gaining traction in our nation. Exceptional talent is emerging and excelling on the global stage. Players now possess knowledge regarding equipment and fitness," he further elaborated.
To encourage golf among the youth, the former PGA Tour player, aged 53, urged the government to establish more public golf courses nationwide.
"In our nation, the government should create public driving ranges. Although land scarcity is a concern, a decent golf academy can be set up on a 10-acre lot. This would enable every child to have the chance to play golf. I urge the government to take action. Presently, we only have three public driving ranges. Increasing this number will significantly enhance golf. It’s a cycle. The only way forward is to have more facilities, along with the hard work of the children and the commitment of their parents," Jeev stated.
The seasoned golfer is preparing to embark on his season with upcoming events in the country before directing his attention to Morocco for the Champions Tour.
"I have my first tournament at the International Series Asian Tour in DLF scheduled for the end of the month. I also received a special invitation from Morocco for the Champions Tour, which is part of the PGA. Following that, I have a European event lined up," mentioned the legendary Indian golfer, who is on the mend after a dog bite on his hand.
