Tue, February 24, 2026
Mon, February 23, 2026

New Golf League '72-The League' Launches in India

Gurgaon, Haryana - February 24th, 2026 - A new era dawned for Indian professional golf yesterday, as the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) launched "72-The League," a groundbreaking tournament centered around the exciting, head-to-head format of matchplay. Held at the meticulously manicured Classic Golf Country Club, the event signals a significant shift in how professional golf is presented and consumed in India, marking a welcome return to matchplay competition after a lengthy absence.

For years, strokeplay has dominated the Indian golfing landscape, where players compete for the lowest overall score over multiple rounds. While providing a traditional test of skill and consistency, strokeplay can sometimes lack the immediate drama and direct competition that captivates a broader audience. "72-The League" aims to rectify this, bringing the intensity and strategic depth of matchplay - where players compete hole-by-hole, winning or losing each individual confrontation - to the forefront.

The tournament features a field of 72 of India's most promising and established professional golfers. Over four intense days, these players will battle it out not just for their individual score, but directly against each other. This isn't about beating the course; it's about beating your opponent. This fundamental shift in focus is expected to generate a much more engaging and dynamic viewing experience for both seasoned golf enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.

"We believe this format will inject a fresh dose of excitement into Indian professional golf," stated PGTI Director, Arjun Singh, at a press conference preceding the tournament's commencement. "Matchplay demands a different skillset than strokeplay. It's about risk assessment, strategic thinking under pressure, and a relentless competitive spirit. We're confident that '72-The League' will showcase the incredible talent of our Indian professionals in a whole new light."

The league structure is designed to maximize competition and ensure that only the most consistent and adaptable players advance. The initial four days will serve as a qualifying stage, with players earning points based on their match results. The specific points system and advancement criteria were detailed on the PGTI website ([https://www.pgti.in/](https://www.pgti.in/ - this is a placeholder link)), outlining how players will progress through the bracket. The top performers will then move on to the final stages, a knockout format where the stakes are even higher, culminating in a championship match to determine the ultimate winner of "72-The League."

Analysts predict that the matchplay format will heavily favor players with strong mental fortitude and aggressive playing styles. While accuracy and distance remain crucial, the ability to clutch up under pressure and make bold decisions will be paramount. Players known for their steady, conservative approach in strokeplay may need to recalibrate their strategies to thrive in this new environment. Several commentators have pointed to players like Karandeep Kochhar and Shubhankar Sharma - both known for their aggressive tendencies and proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations - as early favorites.

Beyond the on-course action, the PGTI is also leveraging the tournament to enhance its digital presence and fan engagement. Live scoring, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content are being streamed on the PGTI's social media channels and dedicated tournament website. The use of drone footage and real-time shot tracking is providing viewers with an immersive experience, allowing them to follow the action from every angle. The PGTI is also partnering with several sports broadcasters to ensure that "72-The League" reaches a wider audience.

The return of matchplay to Indian professional golf isn't merely a change in format; it's a strategic move to revitalize the sport, attract new fans, and elevate the profile of Indian golfers on the global stage. If "72-The League" proves successful, it could pave the way for more matchplay events in the future, reshaping the very fabric of Indian professional golf and creating a thrilling new chapter for the sport.


Read the Full ThePrint Article at:
[ https://theprint.in/sport/matchplay-returns-as-pgtis-72-the-league-tees-off-at-classic-golf-country-club/2861844/ ]