New Delhi: Golf icon Greg Norman from Australia sees India as a “sleeping giant” in the sport, suggesting that the country’s potential could be unleashed with more international tournaments hosted there. The 69-year-old made these comments while attending the Asian Tour’s International Series at Gurugram’s DLF Golf and Country Club, where Ollie Schniederjans from the US took home the win on Sunday. He also expressed support for the LIV Tour expanding into India.

“I really think India is a sleeping giant in golf. If you consider how young the sport is here, it’s just getting started. Looking ahead to the next 25 years, which is basically a generation, India is perfectly positioned. If you reflect on the last decade or so, the success of Indian women golfers on the LPGA has made a significant impact across the nation,” Norman shared, following his recent departure as CEO of the LIV Tour.

“The trends and statistics show us why India, along with Asia, is set to keep growing. For a long time, the Asian Tour didn’t get the recognition it deserved due to the stronghold of the European and American tours. That’s fine, but we shouldn’t overlook other regions like South Africa, Australia, and the whole APEC area,” he continued.

The $2 million International Series India marked the first of ten events approved by the Asian Tour that pave the way to the LIV Golf League. The champion of the International Series season-ending rankings earns a spot on the LIV roster for the following season, which is a goal for both Schniederjans and fellow American Chase Koepka, who is making a comeback.

While discussions are underway to make this event a regular occurrence, Norman is all for the LIV Tour making its long-awaited entry into India soon.

The International Series is a key route to LIV. We're opening doors for young golfers in India and beyond through the Asian Tour. If we can set up pathways for success, it’ll help the sport grow globally, said the two-time British Open champ.

“I don’t think LIV is going anywhere anytime soon. It’s on track to become the real global golf platform, reaching every continent.”

Anirban Lahiri, the only Indian player in LIV, nearly clinched a win last year, but Indian golf hasn’t seen an international victory since Shubhankar Sharma took home the Maybank Championship in February 2018, despite having plenty of talent.

Norman mentioned that LIV could be crucial in revitalizing Indian golf, which seems to be at a standstill.

“I’d love to see LIV come to India because it’s really important. Everything starts small, and having an international entry point is key,” he noted.

“We’ve seen how Anirban has helped bring the International Series to India. Plus, young Kartik Singh made a splash by making the cut as an amateur.” At just 15, Kartik really stood out at the International Series event.

“LIV has introduced a fresh vibe to golf by offering new opportunities in the competitive scene with a different business model. It’s brought in various formats that have attracted millions to the game.”

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