In a country where the definition of sport is one and only Cricket, India is seeing a rise in the popularity of Golf. Driven by the country’s economic boom, which has produced a 300 million strong middle-class, Callaway forecasts that India’s potential golf market will grow at a rate of 25 to 30 percent over the next few years, compared to 2 to 3 percent in the U.S.
Unlike the traditional golf market which is mainly targeted at an older population, golf in India is generating huge interest among the young, especially those from middle and upper-income families who can afford to take lessons. Young golfers also have new heros – The most well known face in the sport is Jeev Milka Singh, the highest ranked India golfer and the 1st to break into the top 50 in the world. You can compare yourself to Singh and other Pro Golfers using our You vs. the Pros report .
Though still very small when compared to other countries known for their interest in golf, India is forecasted to become a popular destination and that explosive growth is driving business interest, and is seen by golf promoters as potentially vast future market. Over the past five years, new courses have mushroomed all over the country, and golf-related retailers and manufacturers are beginning to set up shop to exploit the market’s potential. Now, almost every major real estate developer in India is turning to golf as a way of marketing their properties.
With tours lined up like the professional golf tour of India, and the $2.2 million Avantha Masters, India is all set to mark its presence in this wonderful game of golf.