Kapil Dev batted for women golfers of the country by announcing a unique mixed format for the third edition of the Kapil Dev-Grant Thornton Invitational tournament, to be held at the Prestige Golfshire in Bengaluru, from April 23 to 26.
The tournament will have top women golfers competing with their male counterparts for the same prize money of Rs. 2 crore.
The event has been sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI). It will begin with a practice round on April 23, followed by a three-day, 72-hole championship with 60 male and 12 female professionals in action.
“Through this tournament, we aim to inspire a broader audience, nurture the next generation of golfers, and make the sport more accessible for all,” Kapil told the media on Tuesday.
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The former India captain extolled golf. “I like it because of the ambience, the clothing which makes you look smart. There is so much green on the course. Cricket grounds in India have patches, but golf courses are just outstanding,” he said.
Kapil welcomed the idea of including women in the tournament and said, “I loved the idea of it being the first-ever mixed event. Women are part and parcel of our lives and are better than we are. Other sports can follow this path of including women.”
Advocating the benefits of golf, Kapil said, “It improves your concentration. When you play different sports, you learn a lot. It is a beautiful game. Wish I had played golf when I was younger.”
PGTI CEO, Amandeep Johl, noted, “The inclusion of leading Indian women professionals through our partnership with WGAI adds a new dimension to the event, emphasizing inclusivity in sport. With its new venue and the presence of top female professionals, this year’s tournament promises a unique and memorable experience for players and fans alike.”
Grant Thornton Bharat CEO Vishesh C. Chandiok added, “It’s a defining event for Indian sport and business. Our vision is to build an ecosystem that fosters a more inclusive and accessible India. By breaking barriers and setting a new precedent for inclusivity in sports, we are not just growing golf—we are reshaping the future of Indian sports into one that is diverse, accessible, and truly equal.”
