The Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), which aims to widen the appeal of the game to new audiences, is making it’s UAE debut at The Els Club in Dubai.
India’s innovative golf format, which is the first mixed tour in the world where men and women compete for equal prize money, will bring together leading professionals, top amateur talent and young rising stars from Dec 8th to 10th.
Already recognised in India for its innovative league format and emphasis on accessibility, IGPL aims to bring golf to a broader audience, demonstrating that the sport can be competitive, entertaining and more inclusive for both players and fans.
The expansion includes establishing strategic partnerships with schools and universities, as well as creating pathways for young talent through development programmes.
It also emphasises sustainability in golf by recycling of materials and low carbon emissions.
The tournament, hosted by IGPL Icon Player and Dubai resident Shiv Kapur will also feature Indian golfers, SSP Chawrasia, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Kartik Singh, Pranavi Urs and Veer Ganpathy.
Kapur, a multi-tour winner and long-time ambassador of the league, said:
‘Taking the IGPL format international has been a vision from the onset and there’s no better place to start than in Dubai, my home away from home.’
‘The Els Club offers world-class facilities, and we are excited to introduce the league’s energy, camaraderie and competitive spirit to the UAE golfing community.’
Kapur, who is also an ambassador of the league, will be hosting the Dubai debut and leading an international expansion project, which also includes Sri Lanka, as well as making sure the sport is available to young people away from urban centres.
Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of IGPL is a founder of the project alongside Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh.
Mundy said: ‘The UAE has emerged as a dynamic golf destination and hosting our first international edition here represents a major step in our global journey.’
General Abdullah Al Hashimi, President of the Emirates Golf Federation, called the move an important milestone for golf in the region.
He added: ‘It reflects the sport’s accelerating growth across the continent and reaffirms the UAE’s position as a global hub for elite talent, innovation and world-class competition.’
Rising talent Pranavi Urs – the first amateur woman to win a mixed-field IGPL professional event – will also compete, following her landmark victory in Mumbai in November.
With Dubai already a recognised global sports hub, the three-day event is expected to draw industry leaders, golf enthusiasts and corporate partners for both world-class play and networking.
IGPL Dubai Details
Dates: 8–10 December
Venue: The Els Club Dubai
Website: www.theigpl.com
