Gurugram, 28-11-2023

Combined power of cricket and golf: Kapil Dev - Grant Thornton Invitational 2023 hits the fairways

Sanctioned by PGTI and hosted at the DLF Golf and Country Club, the tournament promises unforgettable golfing excellence and spectator experience

Cricket legend Kapil Dev and leading professional services firm, Grant Thornton Bharat, are all set to launch the second edition of the Kapil Dev - Grant Thornton Invitational, presented by DLF, India’s premier golfing event. Hosted at the finest course in the country, the DLF Golf and Country Club, from 28th November to 3rd December 2023, the event is the pre-eminent fixture of the Indian golf calendar. Sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the first edition in 2022 had luminaries from business, sports and entertainment teaming up with top professional golfers, vying for victory.

The tournament is even bigger this year, with a prize pool of INR 2 Crores, providing an unparalleled experience of on-course hospitality, sporting activities and an array of social events.

Indian cricket legend and former captain Kapil Dev expressed his excitement saying, "I am thrilled about the upcoming Kapil Dev - Grant Thornton Invitational, building upon the success of last year's hit event. My heartfelt thanks to Grant Thornton for sharing my vision of growing golf in India, and to DLF for hosting this spectacular event. As we embark on the second edition, anticipation is high, and excitement is double! Looking forward to making this edition another milestone in the exciting journey of growing professional golf in our country."

Vishesh C. Chandiok, CEO, Grant Thornton Bharat, said, "Our vision is to build an inclusive ecosystem of the various communities that shape a better India across government, business, finance, and of course, sports. The second Kapil Dev -Grant Thornton Invitational, a PGTI event with prize money of INR 2 Crores at the DLF Golf and Country Club, is a premier and unique event that furthers this vision like no other.”

The highlight of this year's event is the introduction of the unique 36-hole Pro-Am Team Championship. Following Round 2, professionals who make the cut and top Indian Women pros, specially invited for the occasion, will be paired into teams, competing in the team championship alongside the professional championship. The tournament will feature the participation of top Indian and international cricket legends, who will play the team championship on Saturday, 2nd December, and the pro-am on Sunday, 3rd December, adding an exciting dynamic to the overall tournament.

Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, said, "After an extremely successful first edition last year, the Kapil Dev - Grant Thornton Invitational, presented by DLF has been one of the most eagerly awaited events on the PGTI this season. We thank our Vice President Mr. Kapil Dev and Mr. Vishesh Chandiok, CEO, Grant Thornton Bharat, for being the driving force behind the event. We also thank Grant Thornton Bharat, DLF and all other event partners for partnering with PGTI and making a significant contribution towards the growth of Indian professional golf. This year the enhanced prize purse coupled with the involvement of amateurs in Rounds 3 and 4, sets the stage for a fascinating week of golfing action at the world-class DLF Golf and Country Club."

Tusch Daroga, Vice President, DLF Golf and Country Club, said, “We are delighted to host the prestigious Kapil Dev - Grant Thornton Invitational, presented by DLF, for the second successive year. An increased prize purse, the Team Championship and the many off-course events planned through the week, promise to make this a memorable event for players, our members and invited guests. I wish the players the very best and thank Mr. Kapil Dev and Grant Thornton Bharat for putting up another spectacular tournament.”

In its second edition, this tournament serves as a catalyst for the game of golf. Through this endeavour, Grant Thornton is actively promoting diversity and inclusion in business and sports, towards shaping a Vibrant Bharat.

Press Conference picture caption:

(L - R) Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, Defending Champion Varun Parikh, Indian Cricket Legend and Tournament Host Mr. Kapil Dev, Mr. Vishesh Chandiok, CEO, Grant Thornton Bharat and Mr. Tusch Daroga, VP, DLF Golf & Country Club, pose with the trophy at the Press Conference on Tuesday