PGTI Suspends 17 Golfers for Choosing Yuvraj Singh’s IGPL Over Tour Event

In a escalating rift threatening to fracture Indian professional golf, the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has issued show cause notices—described by recipients as "provisional suspensions"—to 17 prominent players, including Olympian Gaganjeet Bhullar, for participating in the newly launched Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL). The move, announced by PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl, stems from scheduling overlaps between the IGPL and PGTI's established calendar, igniting debates over loyalty, sponsorships, and the sport's growth in India. A disciplinary committee hearing set for September 27 will determine the players' fates, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for the 2025–26 season.

The controversy erupted after the IGPL's Greater Noida event at Jaypee Greens from September 17–19 directly clashed with the PGTI's Chennai Open, leaving players like Bhullar, Aman Raj, Harandeep Gupta, Karandeep Kochhar, and Sachin Baisoya in a precarious bind. Bhullar, a two-time Asian Tour winner and Tokyo 2020 Olympian, has been a mainstay on the PGTI circuit since turning pro in 2009, boasting victories like the 2023 PGTI Players Championship. The affected golfers, many of whom are rising stars or seasoned pros, now face uncertain futures, with sources indicating the notices demand explanations for prioritizing the IGPL—a franchise-based T20-style league backed by former cricketer Yuvraj Singh—over PGTI commitments.

Johl defended the action in an exclusive interaction with PTI, emphasizing the sanctity of the PGTI's tour schedule. "If it's outside our calendar, no problem. Go and play. But when it clashes with our events, it's different. What do we tell our sponsors?" he questioned, underscoring the financial stakes for the tour, which relies on corporate backing to host 25–30 events annually. Drawing parallels to global bodies like the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, Johl likened the situation to "riding two boats at the same time," a violation of PGTI bylaws that could lead to fines, suspensions, or bans. "It's a rule of our society. If you violate it, there has to be an inquiry. We have called them for a hearing to explain their point of view, and only then will we take a decision," he added, noting that prior approvals for non-conflicting events, like the IGPL's Chandigarh leg (September 10–12), were granted without issue.

Also Read: Ishant Sharma Feels For Pakistan Amid Asia Cup Defeats, Highlights Gap

The IGPL, launched this month in collaboration with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) and Women's Golf Association of India (WGAI), aims to inject excitement into Indian golf through an 11-event season featuring team-based formats, celebrity owners, and international flavor. Yuvraj Singh, a 2011 World Cup hero with a passion for golf, spearheads the league to attract younger audiences and boost prize purses, with the Greater Noida event offering ₹50 lakh in rewards. However, its aggressive calendar—clashing with three PGTI stops—has drawn ire, with critics arguing it undermines the tour that has nurtured talents like Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma.

Player backlash has been swift and vocal. A source close to Bhullar, who has earned over $2 million on global tours, dismissed the notices as overreach: "They are independent professionals who are not under any contractual obligation... It's funny to see a former cricketer trying to ban professional golfers." Sachin Baisoya, a two-time PGTI winner, escalated the feud by filing a petition in the Delhi High Court, alleging "mental harassment" through manipulated tee times and pro-am threats. "PGTI says you are doing one person's job, you cannot do another person's job. But there is no job in PGTI, we don't get salary from PGTI," Baisoya fumed, detailing how his 7 a.m. or late-afternoon slots—imposed post-IGPL participation—disrupted preparation and recovery in Hyderabad's heat during the ongoing Telangana Golconda Masters (September 18–21).

Baisoya's ordeal highlights broader grievances: after the Greater Noida event, PGTI suspended 16 players upon arrival in Hyderabad, removing them from entry lists without notice. He alone played briefly on September 21 before a delayed notice grounded him the next day. "On the 21st, I checked in but the next day I was told I couldn't play. No prior intimation—just a suspension," he recounted. Johl attributed the delay to legal vetting, expressing regret: "Honestly, I felt sad that he had to go all the way there and then return because of this delay." Players also flagged inconsistencies, noting PGTI's Governing Body and Disciplinary Committee members played in a conflicting Pune event without repercussions—Johl clarified they had sought permission.

In a statement, the IGPL struck a conciliatory yet firm tone: "We acknowledge and understand the importance of upholding the rules and regulations every professional body set for its members. At the same time, we also believe strongly in championing player rights, diversity of playing opportunities, and the overall growth of golf in India. We are here to develop qualitative competition opportunities and contribute to the sport's ecosystem."

As the September 27 hearing looms, the standoff risks deepening divides in a sport where India boasts over 300 pros but limited global slots. With the IGU's involvement, calls for mediation grow, but for now, the 17 golfers—and fans—await clarity on whether innovation or tradition will prevail in Indian golf's high-stakes showdown.

Also Read: India Test Squad for West Indies Series Announced; Iyer, Pant To Miss Out