As the old adage goes “What you do not know, you do not know!!!”

Those who were there, were there. The LIV Golf & Asian Tour powered brain child – The International Series made its entry to India for the first time at the the spectacular DLF Golf & Country Club.

Sure we knew reigning US Open champion Bryson Dechambeau headlined the event, we also knew Indian golf’s flagbearer Anirban Lahiri had collaborated closely with all stakeholders and players to make this happen. I ask honestly, who expected what they saw unfold last week? I ask who even imagined global superstars would show up in India a mere couple of seasons after LIV Golf took off amidst turmoil and backlash with the singular aim to ‘grow the game globally’, to take the game to regions and audiences where the youth and corporates were ready for exposure.

Easier said than done, The International Series has delivered and how. NEVER before has India seen close to 20,000 spectators show up to watch a golf tournament, this was hunger, this was thirst, this was the start of something that is not going to stop.

Bryson and Team Crushers walked the walk, the band of brothers were there in full strength, as were some of the biggest stars that had never set foot in India – Paul Casey, Joaquin Neimann, Abrahan Ancer, Chase Koepka, Cameron Tringale, Jazz Janewattananond, Harald Varner III and the very worthy eventual winner Ollie Schneiderjans.

The local boys Shubhankar Sharma, Jeev Milkha Singh, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur, Yuvraj Sandhu, Karandeep Kochhar, SSP Chawrasia, Ajeetesh Sandhu, Abhinav Lohan, Rashid Khan and Rahil Ganjgee were all there, gracious, engaging and competitive as one would expect.

The main man Greg Norman talked the talk, showing up on Saturday, deservedly he received a hero’s welcome setting the atmosphere on fire. The DLF Group not just bankrolled the event, but delivered a flawless event experience that was likely better than some of the finest international events.

There has to be a good reason some of the world’s best golfers are a part of this. And likely another reason young standout amateurs are going this route to kick start their professional journeys. This trinity gives young players from the region an opportunity and a platform. Consider 15 year old Indian amateur Kartik Singh getting access and exposure to this elite group of players, the growth opportunities and confidence he goes away with.

Dechambeau has not just embraced but grown in to his role as the man driving the game globally. His social media exploits & following, his methods to connect with fans, he is the lightning rod making the game look both cool and accessible. The kids are coming in, the game needs this, this is the future of golf.

Lets never forget Greg Norman started this off and took serious heat. Phil Mickelson lent his weight because he believed in the product and took a hamerring as well. Asian Tour boss Cho Minn Thant and International Series head Rahul Singh were all there, driving this together. And now look where this is headed – its the real deal.

Kids were all over, country club members children, kids from villages and small self set up facilities, screaming and cheering and lining for autographs and pictures together. This week has changed golf in India – opportunity, inclusivity and accessibility.

Will Phil Mickelson show up, next year perhaps? Thank you Baan, you have played your leadership role to a ‘tee’.

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About Shivas Nath