PGTI 72 The League Launches In India As Young Guns Ready To Fire

PGTI introduced the first season of 72 The League at a launch event in New Delhi. Indian professionals and emerging players attended to mark the start of a new team contest. The league is set to use matchplay in several formats. Organisers said it would give Indian golfers a different type of competitive week.

The winners’ trophy was revealed during the launch by Jay Shah, Chairman, ICC. Kapil Dev, President, PGTI, was also present for the unveiling. Artist and designer Vibhor Sogani created the trophy. The organisers said Sogani is known for public art work and design projects.

72 The League is set to feature six teams with ten professional golfers each. Matches are planned as singles, fourballs and foursomes. Organisers said many Indian players have not played those formats as professionals. The league is expected to test teamwork, planning, and matchplay skills across the squads.

The opening edition is scheduled across three Delhi-NCR venues. Play begins on February 24 at the ITC Classic Golf & Country Club. The other host courses are Jaypee Greens and Qutab Golf Course. The schedule places the league in familiar settings for many PGTI regulars.

A wide group of Indian pros turned up for the launch. The list included Shaurya Bhattacharya and 16-year-old Kartik Singh. Established names like Honey Baisoya, Manu Gandas, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Viraj Madappa were also present. Organisers framed the mix as a link between new players and regular winners.

Baisoya entered the league as the most expensive buy at Rs 20.50 lakh. Baisoya joined the Nava Raipur team and led the PGTI Order of Merit. Earlier in February, Baisoya won the DP World Players Championship at Qutub Golf Course. Baisoya had started the season with third place at the SECL Chhattisgarh Open Golf Championship.

Baisoya was 13th at the DP World Players Championship 2026 powered by Urbana at Tollygunge Club. At that event, Bhattacharya and Gandas finished tied second. The results underlined strong recent form across several league players. That context added weight to expectations of close team matchups.

Sharing his excitement for 72 The League, Baisoya said, "We were playing the practice round in Tolly and everyone was looking at Instagram.We saw the stories on Instagram how the auction was being held.And it was so exciting. We had a lot of discussion, and on the morning of the auction, I messaged my friend Veer (Ahlawat) saying that I have a feeling I'll go for Rs 20 lakh. In the end, it turned out exactly like that."

Bhattacharya finished third on PGTI's Order of Merit in 2025 and recorded two wins. Bhattacharya said the aim was to take that level into the new season. "I was pre-blocked by the UP Prometheans team and I am really glad to be a part of that team. The feeling behind this week for me is excitement, but at the same time, it would be a very competitive tournament. The camaraderie within the team and how we would strategise in the team format is really interesting and I'm really looking forward to it," he said.

Madappa returned after an 18-month break due to a back injury. Madappa said the team set-up changed the feel of a sport that is often individual. "This is the first time for me to be part of a team. Golf is a very individual sport but right now you have nine other guys behind you, have your team strategist, you have a lot of people who you want to do well for. As golfers, we always have a dream to play the Ryder Cup format, but the Presidents Cup is as close as it gets for Indians. Here, we have a format very similar to that, and to play for something bigger than ourselves is very exciting," Madappa, who is a part of the Kolkata Classics, said.

PGTI 72 The League overseas players and auction

The league is also set to include 12 overseas players. Jhared Hack of US became the top overseas buy at Rs. 15.80 lakhs. Hack joined the Nava Raipur team for the season. Speaking on playing at PGTI this year and being a part of the league, Hack said, "Everybody's been extremely welcoming. I felt like I'd been at everybody everywhere has been great. I've had a lot of fun. Courses have been great. And yeah, the opportunity to be a part of 72 the League and PGTI and be with an organization that helps me advance my career and help grow the game, it's a great opportunity."

Singh is the youngest player in 72 The League and will play for Mumbai Aces. Singh said the formats were different from normal weekly events on tour. "This is my first year on the PGTI and I'm very grateful that I've been selected for the league. And I'm also really excited to be playing with the team format," Singh said.

Sandhu, an Asian Tour winner, will represent the Rajasthan Regals. Sandhu said the league added a fresh challenge for players used to solo competition. "I mean, it's such a new concept for us. We've never played in a team format, or at least I haven't. So yeah, think all of us are really looking forward to it. It's going to be something and is going to be such a new challenge. And to have the opportunity to kind of help your teammates or help your co-players and youngsters, I think it's a very exciting prospect is such a new thing in golf. It's got so much excitement, not just in the players but you know all over the country for this, so we're all absolutely gung-ho about this and ready to go."

With teams confirmed and venues set, 72 The League is due to start on February 24 at ITC Classic. The launch brought together leading PGTI names, younger players, and overseas recruits. Organisers positioned the matchplay week as a new test of planning and teamwork. The trophy unveiling completed the formal start of the opening season.