Business Today and the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) have officially announced the 27th season of BT Golf, a corporate golf initiative designed to broaden the sport's appeal among India's business community and enhance its national visibility.
The season preview event took place on October 27 at the Qutub Golf Course in New Delhi. It featured former India cricket captain Kapil Dev, who serves as President of DP World PGTI, alongside professional golfers and senior editors from Business Today. The gathering included a pitch-and-putt session, marking the return of this established corporate golf platform.
Expanding Golf's Footprint Across India
The upcoming BT Golf season is set to span eight major corporate hubs across India, commencing on October 31 at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. Organizers have indicated that while the multi-city format will be retained, there are future plans to incorporate even more locations, further expanding the tournament's reach.
This collaboration leverages Business Today's extensive corporate network and DP World PGTI's deep expertise in professional golf. The overarching goal is to make golf more accessible and engaging for business leaders and a wider audience, fostering a unique intersection of sport and business.
Insights from Key Leaders
“It is encouraging to see Business Today and DP World PGTI working together to take the sport to a wider audience,” said Kapil Dev, emphasizing the initiative's role in encouraging India Inc. to experience the discipline, patience, and sportsmanship inherent in golf.
Dinesh Bhatia, Group CEO of India Today Group, highlighted BT Golf's long-standing success. “BT Golf has, over the years, created a distinctive platform at the intersection of sport and business. By strengthening our partnership with the DP World PGTI, we are committed to expanding the horizons of Indian golf, making it more visible and engaging for corporate leaders and sports enthusiasts alike.”
Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, noted the reciprocal benefits of the partnership, including opportunities for professional golfers to interact with business leaders and forge relationships beyond the course. “BT Golf provides a wonderful platform to promote the sport and its values of integrity, discipline and sportsmanship,” Johl added.
Alok Nair, Chief Operating Officer of Business Today, described the event as India's first corporate golf platform, emphasizing its 27-year history of bringing together business leaders for competition, networking, and camaraderie. “Business Today Golf is where business meets the greens,” Nair stated.
The partnership underscores a broader effort to cultivate engagement with golf beyond traditional professional tournaments, using corporate participation and multi-city events as a gateway to introduce the game to new audiences. The complete city-wise schedule beyond the Kolkata opening has yet to be announced by the organizers.