Why India's next generation could redefine the future of golf

Golf is one of the world's most popular sports, with millions of players across North America, Europe and Asia. Yet in India, it continues to be perceived as an elite pastime, largely confined to private clubs and limited access. While the country has produced internationally recognised golfers, the sport has yet to witness the kind of grassroots participation enjoyed by cricket. According to Amit Luthra, professional golfer, an Arjuna Awardee and president of The Golf Foundation, that perception is slowly beginning to change. Through school programmes, community outreach and partnerships, efforts are underway to make golf more inclusive and accessible for the next generation. In conversation with HELLO! India, Luthra discusses the changing landscape of Indian golf, the barriers that remain and why the sport's future lies beyond traditional club culture.

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HELLO! India: How has the landscape of golf in India evolved over the last decade?

Amit Luthra: Golf has evolved significantly, particularly at the junior and grassroots levels. While the sport was earlier confined to the elite, we are now witnessing growing interest from schools and children from diverse backgrounds. A major reason for this positive shift has been the collective effort of organisations and partners committed to developing the game at the grassroots level.

HELLO! India: What are the biggest challenges young golfers in India still face today?

Amit Luthra: The biggest challenge continues to be access; access to facilities, coaching, equipment and competitive exposure. Golf is still widely perceived as an expensive sport, which discourages many talented young players from pursuing it. Our focus has always been to mitigate these barriers through partnerships, scholarships, grassroots outreach and structured junior programmes that create opportunities for children who may otherwise never have been introduced to the sport.

HELLO! India: How important is accessibility in building the future of Indian golf?

Amit Luthra: Accessibility and grassroots infrastructure are absolutely essential for the future of Indian golf. At The Golf Foundation, this has always been our core mission. Through our partnerships with The R&A, DP World and BMW India Foundation, we have introduced golf to young children, expand outreach programmes and create greater opportunities for aspiring golfers across India. One of our most exciting recent initiatives is in Aurangabad, where we are in the process of signing an MoU with MGM Trust. Under this initiative, CBSE schools are being developed to provide quality education for children, while dedicated golf training facilities and infrastructure are being created separately to ensure students receive professional coaching and sporting support from a young age. The larger vision is to build a sustainable grassroots ecosystem where education and sport go hand in hand, helping nurture the next generation of Indian golfers beyond the traditional club culture.

HELLO! India: What role does discipline and mental conditioning play in the sport at a young age?

Amit Luthra: Golf is a sport that teaches discipline, patience and emotional balance from a very young age. Mental conditioning is just as important as technical ability because the game constantly tests focus, temperament and resilience. Many children associated with The Golf Foundation have shown tremendous maturity and determination through the sport, which has been incredibly rewarding to witness.

HELLO! India: Do you think India is on the verge of a larger golfing culture beyond elite circles?

Amit Luthra: Yes, absolutely. We are already witnessing a gradual but important cultural shift. Thanks to grassroots programmes, school partnerships and support from organisations and foundations, golf is reaching a much wider audience than ever before. To a great extent, we have blurred the lines between the haves and the have-nots, making the sport more accessible to children from diverse backgrounds.

HELLO! India: What has been the most rewarding success story for you personally?

Amit Luthra: The most rewarding aspect has been seeing children from humble backgrounds discover confidence, opportunity and purpose through golf. For me personally, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that, with the support of our partners and foundations, we are helping shape futures and create opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course. Our amateur golfers have won every major Indian title, as well as European and World Junior championships. Many of our former beneficiaries have gone on to become professionals, winning on the Indian Tour, Asian Development Tour, Asian Tour and the Indian Golf Premier League, while others are competing on the European circuit and the Tour of the Americas. If I had to single out one success story, it would be Shubham Jaglan from Israna village in Punjab. He has won four World Junior titles, two European Junior titles, an NCAA Division I title, qualified for the Tour of the Americas and the Asian Tour, maintained a 4.0 grade average, and was named a Dean's Scholar at the University of South Florida.

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