Tourism and Turf Management Take Center Stage at 11th Golf & Turf Summit in Pune

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Pune, India-Industry leaders and eminent speakers from around the globe are set to converge at the 11th edition of the Golf & Turf Summit, scheduled to be held at the Oxford Golf Resort in Pune on October 17 and 18.

Organized by the Golf Industry Association (GIA), a not-for-profit organization founded in 2011 to promote the nation's golf industry, the summit promises insightful discussions on advanced turf management techniques and the future of golf tourism in India.

The event was officially announced during a press conference at the Press Club of India in New Delhi on Friday. GIA President Anirudha Seolekar highlighted the summit's focus on integrating cutting-edge turf management practices and exploring the burgeoning potential of golf tourism.

"Golf tourism in India is on an upward swing," said Mr. Seolekar, who is also the founder president of GIA. "We have a rich legacy of the sport as a result of the British Raj. In the last two decades, a plethora of privately-owned courses have been developed with superior member facilities. However, there is a lot of scope to increase awareness about them.

This year's Golf & Turf Summit will focus on golf tourism-a key objective of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. We will also have insightful panel discussions on modern turf management techniques and host a congregation of industry leaders and eminent speakers from across the globe to share their vision and understanding of the golfing ecosystem."

GIA Vice-President Anit Mehrotra noted that golf tourism has significantly contributed to the industry's growth over the past financial year. "The influx of international visitors has boosted revenue for golf courses and increased the global profile of golf destinations," Mr. Mehrotra said.

"To cater to the growing demand from golf tourists, there has been a surge in the development and upgrading of golf courses and facilities. New investments in golf course infrastructure-such as building new courses, upgrading existing ones, and enhancing amenities-have been prevalent. This development has further stimulated the golf industry by attracting more tourists and creating a cycle of growth."

GIA Honorary Treasurer Ravi Garyali emphasized initiatives aimed at introducing golf to under-represented communities through targeted programs and partnerships. "Corporate sponsorships have played a crucial role in these efforts, helping to lower barriers and promote a more diverse and accessible golfing community," he said.

Deepali Shah Gandhi, a GIA Board member, pointed out that while recent years have seen significant policy changes from the government aimed at enhancing accessibility to golf, more needs to be done to make the sport inclusive.

"Both government bodies and corporations should become more focused on making the sport more inclusive," she stated. "This includes reducing the cost of participation, investing in public golf facilities, subsidizing green fees for the youth, and creating awareness about employment opportunities in golf courses and related industries."

The summit will serve as a critical platform for discussing industry trends, sharing best practices, and strengthening collective efforts to enhance the overall golfing experience. It provides a unique opportunity for golf course owners, course managers, equipment suppliers, and other stakeholders to align their strategies and contribute to the sport's growth and sustainability.

Prominent bureaucrats from concerned ministries, golf course owners from across the country, traders, and manufacturers of golf equipment, carts, machinery, and allied services are expected to attend the summit.
About Golf Industry Association (GIA)

The Golf Industry Association is a promotional body formed by golf industry groups in 2011 as a non-profit organization under the Indian Trusts Act 1882. The main objective of the association is to provide a forum to coordinate all key sectors of the golf industry to grow, develop, and promote the game of golf through their respective involvement.

The GIA assists in building and promoting the Indian golf industry by supporting the activities and aims of the Indian Golf Union, the Government of India's Tourism Authority, and other golf-related groups.

The association is responsible for providing advice to the government on industry-wide issues without interfering with individual members' relationships with specific government agencies. Their goal is to look after the interests of all members and to strengthen the individual position of each member.