India had its first taste of GolfSixes on Monday as the GolfSixes League saw six teams of children compete at DLF Golf and Country Club ahead of the Hero Indian Open.
The event, aimed at creating excitement among young golfers and expanding the base of junior golfers across the country, was part of an initiative by The Indian Golf Union (IGU) in partnership with The R&A to promote junior golf and develop opportunities for the next generation of players.
Junior golfers aged 12 and below from across India competed in the innovative team-based shorter format of the game that had never been seen in the country before.
Six teams of six, each representing a different state, played six holes and gathered for a day full of competition and sportsmanship.
The GolfSixes League format has been developed by The R&A, the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG), the Ryder Cup European Development Trust (RCEDT), DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour and is supported by the Indian Golf Union.
DP World Tour followers will be familiar with the GolfSixes format, with events forming part of the International Schedule in 2017, 2018 and 2019, with GolfSixes also a key part of the Tour's Golf Futures programme.
Punjab took home the trophy in New Delhi, with Haryana finishing second and Uttar Pradesh third.
IGU pesident Brijinder Singh said: "This initiative aligns perfectly with our goals of promoting golf and making it more inclusive.
"GolfSixes is a fast-paced and dynamic format that features teams of six players competing in six-hole matches. The format is designed to be fun, interactive, and easy to understand, making it perfect for children and beginners.”
"We are thrilled to support GolfSixes League and look forward to seeing its impact on growing the game of golf in India."
Neal Graham, Regional Development Manager – Middle East, Central Asia & India at The R&A, added: “GolfSixes League is a proven development initiative which encourages new golfers into the sport in a fun and competitive way.
"It allows young people to bring their new-found skills from the lesson tee onto the course in an encouraging and inclusive team environment.
"We hope the introduction of GolfSixes League to India will deliver similar results for golf participation in the country as we have seen in Great Britain and Ireland, Europe and Africa.”
With The R&A's continued support, the Indian Golf Union's dedication to growing the sport, and the increasing participation in junior golf, this tournament is set to become a cornerstone in the longer term strategic development of golf in India.
