GOLS co-founders Samant Sikka and Amit Kharbanda (far left and right), PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl, PGTI president Kapil Dev, and sports administrator Amrit Mathur at the launch of 72 The League in New Delhi on Thursday.
By Rahul Banerji
The Professional Golf Tour of India on Thursday announced the launch of its ‘72 The League’, an exclusive national league for professional golfers that will tee off in February 2026.
The league, initially confined to six city-based teams and 60 professionals, has been launched in partnership with Game of Life Sports.
The first season will be confined to the National Capital Region and will run at three courses — the Classic GCC, Jaypee Greens and Qutab Golf Course — from February 21 to March 6, 2026.
The league is backed by industry veterans and seasoned investors with past greats of the game mentoring the six teams.
Each team will have 10 players picked at an auction set for January and will be open to members of the PGTI regardless of their rankings.
Overseeing ’72 The League’ will be sports administrator and cricket World Cup and IPL veteran Amrit Mathur who has been roped in as its Commissioner.
The league will also have PGTI board member Amitabh Kant and sports professional Joy Bhattacharjya, GOLSsenior advisor strategy and expansion who has experience in steering sports leagues.
New leaf
Noted PGTI president Kapil Dev at the launch,“With the launch of 72 The League, PGTI is turning over a new leaf for the growth of golf in India.
“For the first time, we have a structured, team-based national league sanctioned by PGTI that creates new opportunities for players.
“This is as exciting for all of us as it is for the players, who are set to experience a thrilling new format.
“We would also like to welcome Game of Life Sports as our partners for this initiative and firmly believe that 72 The League is a powerful step forward for Indian golf.”
Added Mathur, “Today we are ushering in a new era of Indian golf with the launch of 72 The League, a league created by the PGTI in partnership with Game of Life Sports.
High aspirations
“We have seen how the league model has transformed sports in India, and helped discover and develop new sporting stars, build communities and increase fan engagement.
“This league aspires to do that and much more.”
For PGTI chief executive Amandeep Johl, the step comes as the culmination of much planning and back-room activity.
“Over the past several years, PGTI has been the driving force behind the evolution of professional golf in India.
“This launch marks the next important chapter in the golf landscape in India, which I am sure will give a major fillip to the sport.”
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