What Is 2013 Professional Golf Tour of India

Overview

The 2013 Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) marked the sixth full season of India’s premier men’s professional golf circuit. Established in 2006, the PGTI aimed to elevate the standard of Indian golf by providing consistent competitive opportunities and increasing prize purses to attract top talent.

This season was notable for its expanded schedule and deeper collaboration with international tours. It played a crucial role in developing homegrown golfers and enhancing India’s presence in global golf rankings.

• 22 official events were held across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, marking one of the most extensive calendars in PGTI history up to that point.
• The total prize money pool reached ₹12.5 crore, a significant increase from previous years, reflecting growing sponsorship and organizational stability.
• Gaganjeet Bhullar claimed the PGTI Order of Merit title with earnings of ₹1.04 crore, becoming the first Indian to win three Order of Merit titles by age 26.
• Six tournaments were co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour, including the Indian Open, which boosted player incentives and global visibility.
• The season kicked off in February 2013 with the Aircel PGTI Senior Masters and concluded in December with the PGTI Tour Championship in New Delhi.

How It Works

The PGTI operates as a membership-based tour that sanctions tournaments, awards ranking points, and administers the Order of Merit based on prize money earned. Players accumulate earnings throughout the season to vie for titles, exemptions, and international opportunities.

• Order of Merit: The player with the highest total earnings at season's end wins the Order of Merit. In 2013, Gaganjeet Bhullar earned ₹1.04 crore to secure this honor.
• Tournament Structure: Events typically spanned four rounds (72 holes) of stroke play, with cut rules applied after 36 holes to narrow the field to the top 60 and ties.
• Co-sanctioning: The PGTI partnered with the Asian Tour on six events in 2013, allowing players to earn world ranking points and dual tour credit.
• Eligibility: Membership was open to professional golfers; amateurs could participate only with special permission, and all players had to meet handicap and qualification standards.
• Prize Distribution: The winner typically received 18–20% of the total purse, with payouts extending to the top 40 finishers based on tournament size.
• Ranking System: The PGTI Rankings, based on prize money, determined seedings, tour cards, and qualification for international events like the Asian Tour.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 PGTI season compared to prior years and regional tours:

The 2013 season represented a clear upward trend in tournament volume, prize money, and international integration. This growth helped Indian golfers gain consistent world ranking points and prepared them for higher-level competition on the Asian and European Tours.

Why It Matters

The 2013 PGTI season was a turning point in the professionalization of Indian golf, setting benchmarks for structure, competitiveness, and global alignment. It provided a sustainable platform for Indian athletes to grow without relocating abroad.

• Player Development: The tour enabled emerging talents like SSP Chawrasia and Rashid Khan to refine their skills through regular high-pressure competition.
• Increased Visibility: Co-sanctioned events attracted international media coverage, raising the profile of Indian golf on the global stage.
• Sponsorship Growth: Companies like Aircel, Hero MotoCorp, and PGTI partners invested more due to improved broadcast and attendance metrics.
• Pathway to Global Tours: Strong performances on the PGTI helped players qualify for the Asian Tour and even the European Tour.
• Economic Impact: Tournaments generated local revenue through tourism, hospitality, and event staffing in host cities.
• Youth Inspiration: Success stories from the 2013 season motivated younger players to pursue professional golf as a viable career.

Overall, the 2013 Professional Golf Tour of India laid a strong foundation for future growth, proving that a structured domestic tour could coexist with and feed into the global golf ecosystem.