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About IGU

History of Indian Golf

From six founding clubs to 200+ affiliated courses — the story of India's national golf federation since 1955.

70+
Years
200+
Clubs
22
Arjuna Awardees
6
Olympians

The Founding of Indian Golf Union

The Indian Golf Union was established on December 20, 1955, as the apex body for golf in India. Starting with just six founding golf clubs, IGU was created to organise, develop, and govern the sport across the nation.

Mr. A.D. Vickers served as the first IGU President, with Major L.B. Hirst as the first Secretary. In 1957, Mr. P.R. Surita took over as the first Honorary Secretary, laying the administrative groundwork for what would become one of India's most well-organised sporting federations.

Today, IGU has expanded its footprint to over 200 affiliated golf clubs nationwide, administering tournaments, selecting national teams, and driving grassroots development programmes that have produced Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, and international champions.

Historic golf in India — Royal Calcutta Golf Club

A Legacy in Pictures

From the earliest days of organised golf in India to the modern era of international competition.

Historic photograph — Royal Calcutta Golf Club Historic photograph — early Indian golf

Key Milestones

Over a century of golf history in India — from the first All India trophy to the Olympic stage.

1892
Royal Calcutta Golf Club instituted the All India trophy, marking the beginning of organised competitive golf in India.
1955
Indian Golf Union established on December 20 with six founding clubs, under the presidency of Mr. A.D. Vickers.
1957
Assistant Professional and Caddie training scheme established under George Willard, professionalising golf instruction in India.
1957
Inter Zonal championship launched with a trophy donated by I.S. Malik, fostering competitive golf across India's regions.
1958
All India Amateur Championship held outside Calcutta for the first time, at Delhi Golf Club, expanding the sport's national footprint.
2016
Indian golfers SSP Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri compete at the Rio Olympics, marking golf's return to the Games with Indian representation.
2020
Aditi Ashok delivers a historic 4th-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics, captivating the nation and inspiring a new generation of Indian golfers.
2025
IGU administers 200+ affiliated clubs nationwide, running comprehensive tournament circuits, development programmes, and Olympic qualification pathways.