It’s a real pity that the Indian Masters had to be dropped off the European Tour schedule. With a 2.5 million dollar purse it seemed to have opened India’s door to world golf. Unfortunately everyone seems to be caught in the slowdown around the world and sports advertising was bound to suffer a major hit. The withdrawal of Emaar-MGF from golf sponsorship comes as a big hit especially because it was also the title sponsor of the only ladies European Tour event in India and even that has been pulled off. So it is a double blow for Indian golf. And although the European Tour tried desperately to look for another sponsor to keep the tournament alive, it was bound to be extremely difficult and no wonder they did not manage it in the end.

After all a 2.5 million dollar tournament means a spend of nearly five to six million dollars from the sponsor and this includes the appearance fee and other such frills that the sponsor has to spend on. But looking at the way the game has grown in the last few years in India and with players like Jeev Milkha Singh beginning to win on a regular basis, it will not be long before anther big tournament comes back to India. After all even in these difficult times, the growth rate in India is still going to be around the 7 per cent mark, so if there is any market where there is some scope for the sponsor, it is the Indian market.


Play well

Andy from St Andrews
http://www.GolfSwingSecretsRevealed.com/blog

Absolutely right about India's growth rate prospects, Andy. Combine that with the nation's rapidly prospering middle class and you have the critical elements in place for expanding the game of golf. From a sponsor's point of view, it would be appealing and will be when things begin to turn around. I still maintain that will be at least 12 months away. Probably more like 18 to 24 months before we see the massive credit bubble completely burst and flushed out of the financial system globally. There's no question that India will be well positioned for the turn-around when it comes.

If I remember correctly there were myriad complaints from the players last year due to the poverty they had to confront on the drive from the hotel to the golf course. A number vowed not to go back because it was "too depressing".

I wonder if this played into the cancelation in any way?

I certainly hope not, Patricia! Most professional golfers - including those on the European Tour - are treated like kings. If they suddenly catch a glimpse of the "real world" through their courtesy car windows and are repulsed by the intrusion on their sensibilities, it wouldn't say much for their character. And I believe these guys - and ladies - have plenty of character. No, my belief remains that the Indian Masters was cancelled simply because of the grim economic reality that is possessing the world at the moment.