People often think of golf as a calm and elegant sport because the fairways are quiet, the swings are slow, and the fans clap politely. But behind this peaceful scene is a complicated world of economics, planning, and strategic execution. Putting together a golf tournament is more than just a sport; it’s a business. Like any business, it needs money, a plan, and a clear benefit for everyone involved, including players, sponsors, organisers, and fans.

The price of putting together a tournament depends a lot on how big it is. A small amateur event in your area might only cost ₹5–10 lakhs, but a big national or international professional tournament could easily cost more than ₹1 crore. The budget usually includes things like renting the course, giving out prizes, setting up the event, providing hospitality, hiring staff, and getting people to and from the event. For instance, in a professional event approved by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the prize money can be anywhere from ₹30 lakhs to over ₹1 crore. Branding setups, audio-visual installations, snacks, and transportation for players and guests are some of the other costs.

In order for tournament organisers to make money from such an event, they need to find different ways to do so. Sponsorship is the most important of these. In fact, brand sponsorships bring in about 70–80% of the tournament’s money in India. These sponsors, which include luxury brands, finance and car companies, and others, are not just paying for the event; they also want to connect with a high-quality audience. For instance, Hero MotoCorp, Tata Steel, and Rolex have spent a lot of money on Indian and international golf tournaments because the game is very popular with business leaders, professionals, and wealthy people.

Besides sponsorships, organisers often charge people to enter, especially in junior or amateur tournaments. Pro players on the biggest tours don’t have to pay to compete, but qualifying rounds and amateur circuits can make money by charging people to sign up. Some events also make money by selling hospitality packages and a small amount of merchandise. Guests can buy branded golf kits, event souvenirs, and access to corporate lounges. Golf events in India don’t usually sell tickets that let a lot of people in, like cricket matches do, but this is slowly changing as more people in cities become interested in the sport.

Broadcasting and media coverage are quickly becoming new ways to make money. International tours like the PGA and LPGA make millions by selling broadcasting rights, but in India, the focus is moving towards digital platforms. Live streaming on YouTube, Instagram, or OTT platforms now lets organisers reach a younger, tech-savvy audience and give sponsors a return on investment through real-time impressions and content after the event.

The effects of a tournament go beyond just the golf course. A well-planned event can help the local economy by getting more people to book hotels, hire local vendors, use transport services, and promote tourism. Even small events can bring business to hotels, restaurants, and sports stores nearby, especially when players travel with their families or coaches. Golf clubs that host events also benefit by getting more attention, which can lead to more members, coaching enquiries, or partnerships with academies.

But putting together a golf tournament in India isn’t always easy. The weather is a big worry, especially during the monsoon or the hottest part of summer. Getting sponsors is another problem because golf is still seen as a niche sport with little TV coverage. Also, making sure that players, referees, club officials, vendors, and sponsors all work together smoothly requires a professional attitude and good project management.

Even with these problems, the business of golf tournaments in India is growing. The ecosystem is slowly growing as players like Aditi Ashok, Shubhankar Sharma, and Anirban Lahiri play on global stages and city dwellers start to see golf as a way of life. Cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi NCR, and Kolkata now have regular amateur and semi-professional events, and more and more people are coming to watch and participate.

People who are watching a putt on the 18th green may not be able to see the economics of a golf tournament, but they are what make every event a success. Each tournament is the result of careful planning and smart spending on things like branding, budgeting, logistics, and legacy. As Indian golf grows, so does the chance to make the golf culture stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.