Bansi Lal Riporting :-
The Golf Foundation and The R&A Announced Historic Partnership to Transform Golf in India
The Golf Foundation (TGF), India’s pioneering charitable institution for nurturing underprivileged golf talent, formalised a landmark partnership with The R&A, the world’s leading authority on golf, at a Gala Dinner hosted at The Quorum, Two Horizon Centre, Gurugram.
The event was attended by dignitaries, corporate leaders, and members of the sporting fraternity. Senior leadership from The R&A, including Neal Graham, Development Manager for the Middle East & India, and Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy, joined the celebrations alongside TGF Founder & President Amit Luthra and CEO Angad Luthra.
The Chief Guest, Shri Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Hon’ble Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, was unable to attend due to a last-minute political meeting. However, he sent his warm wishes through a video message that was played at the event, expressing his support for the initiative and commending both organisations for their efforts to promote inclusivity and excellence in Indian golf.
The evening began with the lighting of the ceremonial diya by legendary cricketer and PGTI President Kapil Dev, together with the TGF and R&A teams, symbolising the start of a new era for the sport in India.
For over two decades, The Golf Foundation had created pathways for young golfers from economically weaker backgrounds by providing coaching, education, equipment, and international exposure. The R&A, headquartered at St Andrews, Scotland, administered the Rules of Golf globally (outside the US and Mexico), organised The Open Championship, and invested in the sustainable growth of the game across more than 160 countries.
This historic partnership combined TGF’s grassroots reach with The R&A’s global expertise to strengthen India’s golf ecosystem. Key initiatives included expanding access for EWS children, upgrading training bases and infrastructure, and creating international pathways for Indian talent.
The collaboration also aligned with the Khelo India initiative launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reinforcing the national vision of making sport inclusive, accessible, and a vehicle for youth development.
Speaking at the event, TGF Founder Amit Luthra said, “This partnership marked a turning point for Indian golf. With The R&A’s backing, we could accelerate our mission to take golf from village greens to the world stage.”
The evening featured speeches, a showcase film on TGF’s impact, and the formal signing and unveiling of the joint TGF–R&A logo, marking a milestone moment in the journey to grow golf across India.