DP World Extends India Championship Partnership Until 2035

DP World has extended its partnership with the DP World India Championship until at least 2035, underlining its long-term commitment to developing golf in India and creating stronger pathways for domestic players to compete internationally. The announcement came at the conclusion of the tournament’s second edition at the Delhi Golf Club on Sunday, October 18, where Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra secured victory by two shots.

The extension represents a significant step for Indian golf, with the tournament emerging as a major international sporting event on the country’s calendar. Featuring an elite field that included three of the four major championship winners from the year and defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, the competition brought together some of the biggest names in professional golf.

With a prize fund of $4 million, the DP World India Championship is the most lucrative golf tournament ever hosted in Asia, according to the supplied report. Its scale and international profile offer India an opportunity to strengthen its position in the global golfing landscape while exposing domestic players and fans to some of the sport’s leading competitors.

For DP World, however, the ambition extends beyond organising a prestigious tournament. The logistics company wants to establish a sustainable golfing ecosystem that supports emerging talent, increases participation and helps Indian professionals progress from domestic competition to the international stage.

DP World Commits to the India Championship Until 2035

The decision to extend the partnership until at least 2035 provides long-term certainty for the DP World India Championship. It also signals that the company views golf development in India as a sustained investment rather than a short-term sponsorship opportunity.

DP World already has a prominent presence in professional golf through its association with the DP World Tour and its partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). The India Championship brings these ambitions together by offering a major international event on Indian soil while supporting the development of the domestic professional circuit.

Speaking to Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the tournament, DP World’s country head, Hemant Kumar Ruia, emphasised the difference between traditional sponsorship and a long-term partnership.

“We are not sponsors; we are partners. We have real skin in this game. Sponsorship is typically a year to a year, but a partnership is a little longer, where you have skin in the game, where you walk the talk,” Ruia said.

His comments highlighted the company’s intention to remain involved in the development of Indian golf beyond the staging of a single tournament. The longer commitment creates an opportunity to build initiatives around grassroots participation, domestic competition and international exposure.

For Indian golf, continuity is particularly important. Developing professional players requires access to competitive tournaments, adequate financial support, quality coaching and opportunities to measure their abilities against stronger international opposition. A sustained partnership could help strengthen several of these areas over the coming years.

Eugenio Chacarra Wins the Second Edition at Delhi Golf Club

The partnership announcement followed an exciting conclusion to the second edition of the DP World India Championship, which ended with Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra claiming the title by a two-shot margin.

The tournament attracted an exceptionally strong field, bringing together major championship winners and established international stars. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood was also part of the competition, adding to the event’s profile and reinforcing its appeal among leading professionals.

The presence of internationally recognised players provided Indian golf fans with an opportunity to watch elite competition at home. It also offered domestic professionals a chance to experience the standards, course management and competitive intensity required to succeed at the highest level.

With a $4 million prize fund, the event has established itself as a significant addition to the Asian golf calendar. Its financial scale, international field and long-term future could help make India an increasingly important destination for professional golf.

The championship’s significance therefore extends beyond the identity of its winner. Its continued presence could help attract global attention, encourage greater investment in the sport and inspire younger Indian players to consider professional golf as a realistic career path.

DP World’s Vision: Build a Stronger Golfing Ecosystem in India

Ruia stressed that developing Indian golf is central to DP World’s wider business objectives in the country. The company wants to use the sport to strengthen connections between India and international markets while creating more opportunities for domestic athletes.

He described golf as a sport capable of connecting people across geographical and cultural boundaries, making it a useful platform for bringing business and sporting ambitions together.

“Unlike that old poem which went, ‘the twain shall never meet’, here the twain is meeting. The business and sports, we are trying to make them meet. We want to connect India to India and also India to the world. There’s no better way to do that other than golf which speaks a universal language,” Ruia added.

The strategy has two interconnected elements. The DP World India Championship connects Indian audiences and players with the international game, while the company’s partnership with PGTI aims to strengthen the domestic structure that develops professional golfers.

Ruia explained the distinction between the two initiatives, saying the international championship helps connect India with the wider golfing world, while the PGTI partnership is intended to connect players and opportunities within the country.

“We are connecting India to the rest of the world through a competition of this scale, whereas with the partnership with PGTI, we are connecting India to India. We hope to give a big boost to the domestic talent,” he said.

This approach recognises that a successful international tournament alone cannot guarantee long-term growth. Indian golfers also need a strong domestic calendar, access to competitive opportunities and financial support to progress through the professional ranks.

PGTI Partnership to Support Domestic Golfers

One of the most important aspects of DP World’s long-term commitment is its collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India. The partnership aims to strengthen the domestic professional circuit and create a more supportive environment for both established professionals and emerging players.

Among the initiatives associated with the alliance are plans to increase prize money on the domestic tour in the following season, expand professional and NextGen tournaments into tier-two cities, and bring Asian Development Tour events to India.

The partnership also aims to encourage Indian professionals to compete on overseas challenger tours by providing financial assistance. Such support could help players overcome some of the financial barriers associated with travelling internationally and competing against stronger fields.

Higher Prize Money Could Improve Opportunities for Professionals

Prize money is an important consideration for professional golfers, particularly those who are still establishing themselves. Travel, accommodation, equipment, coaching and tournament entry costs can place significant financial pressure on players who do not consistently finish near the top of leaderboards.

Increasing prize money across the domestic circuit could help make professional golf more sustainable for a wider group of players. It could also encourage greater competition by allowing golfers to invest more time and resources in improving their performances.

For younger professionals, a stronger domestic tour can provide a more reliable stepping stone towards international competition. Rather than relying on a small number of major events, players could benefit from a more competitive calendar that rewards consistency and development.

Taking Golf Beyond Major Cities

Plans to take professional and NextGen tournaments to tier-two cities could also broaden the sport’s reach across India. Golf has traditionally been associated with established clubs and a relatively limited participant base, making access an important challenge for its long-term development.

Expanding tournament locations could introduce the sport to new audiences and create opportunities for aspiring players outside the country’s established golfing centres. Local events can also help develop interest among young athletes, families and potential sponsors.

Greater geographical reach would support the wider objective of making golf more accessible and building a larger talent pool. It could also help establish stronger connections between local sporting communities and the professional game.

International Exposure for Indian Golfers

The proposed introduction of Asian Development Tour events in India and financial assistance for Indian professionals competing overseas could provide additional opportunities to gain international experience.

Playing against a diverse field of international competitors can help Indian golfers understand the standards required to progress professionally. It can also expose them to different playing styles, course conditions and competitive environments.

Ruia said the company wanted to create an ecosystem in which domestic players could develop and benefit from exposure to leading international golfers.

“We certainly want to create an ecosystem for the domestic talent to grow. And when we connect them to the rest of the world, when we get the stars to come to showcase their skills, it will inspire people to up their game,” he said.

The long-term objective is to ensure that the benefits of hosting a major international championship reach beyond the tournament itself and contribute to the development of Indian professionals.

DP World India Championship Could Bridge the Domestic Tour and Race to Dubai

Another important part of DP World’s vision is creating greater continuity between domestic professional golf and the international competition calendar.

Ruia described the DP World India Championship as a bridge between the PGTI season and the Race to Dubai, the season-long competition on the DP World Tour. The aim is to strengthen the connection between Indian professionals and the international game while providing domestic audiences with access to elite competition.

A clearer progression from domestic tournaments to international opportunities could help players understand the steps required to advance their careers. It could also encourage greater ambition among emerging professionals who hope to compete regularly against the world’s best golfers.

For Indian players, competing at home against an international field offers a valuable opportunity to test their skills without the demands of travelling abroad. The experience can help them assess their strengths, identify areas for improvement and prepare for future international assignments.

At the same time, the tournament gives international players an opportunity to compete in India and introduces local fans to a broader range of golfing talent.

By linking these different levels of the sport, DP World hopes to create a more connected structure in which domestic development and international competition reinforce one another.

Why India Is an Important Market for DP World

India’s economic potential, large population and expanding manufacturing and logistics sectors make it an important market for DP World. The company’s interest in golf, however, also reflects its stated ambition to contribute to the development of the communities and markets in which it operates.

Ruia explained that the company’s approach involves supporting activities that can create wider social and economic benefits, with golf representing one opportunity to connect with customers and develop participation at the grassroots level.

“When we work in a geography, we also want to uplift the geography as a social need. So, golf is one such sport which we believe can connect us to our customers, and we can grow the game at a grassroots level,” he said.

This philosophy places the India Championship within a broader strategy. The tournament helps raise the sport’s visibility, while the PGTI partnership and grassroots initiatives are intended to support its long-term growth.

India’s demographic profile also provides an opportunity to introduce golf to younger generations. By creating more accessible competitions and increasing exposure to elite players, organisers can help build awareness of the sport among audiences who may not traditionally have followed it.

For DP World, sustained investment in golf could strengthen its association with Indian sport while contributing to the development of a larger and more competitive domestic golfing community.

Growing Fan Interest Is Central to Golf’s Future in India

While professional opportunities and financial support are important, the long-term success of Indian golf will also depend on attracting more fans and encouraging young people to take up the sport.

The DP World India Championship provides an opportunity to bring internationally recognised players to Indian audiences. Seeing leading professionals compete in person can make the sport more accessible to spectators and inspire young athletes to pursue golf themselves.

Ruia pointed to the atmosphere at the tournament as evidence of the value of bringing top-level golf to India. When asked about the possibility of extending DP World’s initial three-year commitment, he had previously stopped short of making a firm announcement, instead emphasising the importance of the sport’s reach and its ability to inspire future players.

“Look at what is happening here today. Look at the crowd that is there. I think that is what is more important,” he said.

He also highlighted the potential influence of watching international stars compete, adding: “Who knows, one of the kids watching Rory McIlroy on the course or on TV may go on to follow his footsteps.”

The extension of the partnership until at least 2035 gives that ambition a longer time frame. Sustained exposure, combined with stronger domestic competitions and improved pathways for emerging players, could help create a more lasting connection between Indian audiences and the sport.

What the Partnership Extension Means for Indian Golf

The extension of the DP World India Championship partnership marks a significant commitment to the future of professional golf in the country. By securing the tournament’s continuation until at least 2035, DP World has provided a long-term platform for international competition while reinforcing its wider support for domestic development.

The $4 million championship has already established itself as a major event on the Asian golfing calendar, attracting leading international players and providing Indian fans with the opportunity to watch elite professionals compete at home.

However, the partnership’s broader value will depend on how effectively it supports Indian golfers beyond the tournament week. Higher domestic prize money, competitions in tier-two cities, Asian Development Tour events and financial assistance for overseas participation could all contribute to building a stronger professional pathway.

The partnership with PGTI will be particularly important in connecting these initiatives with the needs of domestic players. If the planned measures are implemented effectively, they could help emerging golfers gain experience, improve their financial stability and progress towards international competition.

For DP World, the long-term objective is to connect India with the global golfing community while expanding participation at home. For Indian golf, the opportunity is to turn a prestigious international championship into a catalyst for sustainable development.

Conclusion

DP World’s decision to extend its partnership with the India Championship until at least 2035 represents a major commitment to the future of golf in India. Announced after Eugenio Chacarra won the second edition at Delhi Golf Club, the extension ensures that the country will continue to host a high-profile international tournament featuring leading names in the sport.

More importantly, the company’s ambitions extend beyond staging a $4 million event. Through its partnership with PGTI, DP World aims to strengthen the domestic tour, improve prize money, expand tournament access, support overseas participation and create a clearer pathway for Indian golfers to reach the international level.

The long-term success of these efforts will depend on sustained implementation and the opportunities they create for players at different stages of their careers. Nevertheless, the extended commitment provides a valuable foundation for developing the sport.

As Ruia emphasised, the ultimate measure of success will be the championship’s ability to inspire people and help golf grow at the grassroots. If the tournament encourages more young Indians to take up the sport and gives domestic professionals better opportunities to compete internationally, its legacy could extend far beyond the fairways of Delhi Golf Club.