IGU and Golf New Zealand Partner to Enhance India’s High-Performance Pathway
Building the Next Generation: IGU Joins Forces with New Zealand Golf on Junior Development
The Indian Golf Union (IGU) has partnered with Golf New Zealand to strengthen India’s high-performance and talent-development structure. Supported by The R&A, the collaboration aims to establish a clearer pathway for the country’s junior and elite golfers.
Assessment of Current Infrastructure
As part of the initiative, Golf New Zealand’s General Manager of High Performance & Talent Development, Gregg Thorpe, conducted a visit to India from August 12–17. The visit focused on evaluating India’s existing coaching, training, and player-development ecosystem.
Thorpe visited several facilities across Gurgaon, Delhi, Greater Noida, Chandigarh, and Panchkula. Key stops included the DLF Golf Academy, Jaypee Greens, Delhi Golf Club, and facilities linked with the National Golf Academy of India and the Chandigarh Golf Association.
RK Pachnanda (President of the CGA), handing over a memento to Gregg Thorpe (General Manager of High Performance & Talent Development at Golf New Zealand)
Key Areas of Collaboration
Discussions during the visit focused on several aspects of development:
- Junior development programmes
- Sports psychology
- Coaching methodology
- High-performance training
- Strengthening coordination between the IGU, local clubs, and academies
Recent Milestones and Long-Term Goals
The announcement follows recent success on the international junior circuit, where Harjai Milkha Singh and Krish Chawla secured the 2026 APGC Junior Boys team title for India.
Looking ahead, the partnership seeks to unite the IGU, state associations, golf clubs, academies, coaches, and players within a structured development framework. The primary objectives include enhancing elite performance and targeting future Olympic success.
Source: India Golf Weekly
