Delhi, India: The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme has launched in India for the first time, supported by funding from the DP World India Championship Legacy Fund as part of a shared commitment to grow the sport and create a lasting legacy for golf across the country.
Ten women working across the Indian golf industry have been selected to take part in the inaugural programme, which is designed to support emerging female leaders and help strengthen the future of the game.
The participants recently attended an in-person workshop in Delhi, facilitated by The R&A and delivered by a leadership development specialist, marking the start of a development journey that will continue through to the DP World India Championship in October.
The expansion of The R&A’s programme into India has been made possible through the DP World India Championship Legacy Fund, which was established to create meaningful and lasting benefits for golf beyond championship week. The Fund supports initiatives that help grow participation, develop talent and create opportunities within the sport across India.
Jackie Davidson, Director – Golf Education at The R&A, said: “Opening golf to the world is at the heart of The R&A’s strategy for the future of the sport. Through the support of the DP World India Championship Legacy Fund, we are delighted to bring the Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme to India for the first time and invest in the talented women who are helping shape the future of golf.
“India represents an exciting opportunity for golf and an important part of our ambition to make the sport more accessible and inclusive. By supporting women to develop their leadership skills and advance their careers, we can help create a stronger, more diverse industry and inspire more people to engage with golf.”
Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament & Operations Officer at the DP World Tour, said: “We have had a strong commitment to golf in India over many years, so we are pleased to be supporting The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme through our DP World India Championship.
“This is yet another great example of how we work with our partners to continue to help develop our sport in the countries we play in, providing meaningful opportunities and ensuring our golf is inclusive and accessible.”
The Women in Golf Leadership Foundation Programme is a key component of The R&A’s commitment to developing a more inclusive and diverse golf industry.
The programme supports The R&A’s strategic objective of opening golf to the world by empowering women to progress into leadership roles and helping ensure the sport better reflects the communities it serves.
Since its launch in 2019, the programme has helped women working across golf build confidence, strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks, supporting their progression into leadership positions throughout the sport.
The inaugural Indian cohort brings together women from a range of backgrounds and roles within the golf industry, reflecting the growing ambition and potential of the sport in the country.
Participants include:
- Swati Dodeja, BirdiesConnect
- Lavanya Nagesh, Prestige Golfshire Club
- Jagmeet Kaur Dhody, The Golf Revolution
- Siya Manna, Protouch Sports
- Shruti Khanna, Professional Golf Tour India
- Saaniya Sharma, Professional Golfer, Coach, International Referee
- Nalini Singh, The Indian Golf Union
- Malvika Miskita, The Indian Golf Union
- Vineeta Grover, Zen Golf Range and Academy
- Shruti Bansal, Zen Golf Range and Academy
Through a combination of workshops, coaching, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning, participants will explore topics including leadership, communication, personal development and career progression, while building a network of support within the industry.
Programme participant Dodeja said: “It’s a privilege to be part of this cohort of women leaders. The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Programme, supported by the DP World India Championship, gives us an invaluable opportunity to bring global best practices home. My hope is to use these insights to build stronger pathways for women and girls in golf and beyond.”
Echoing her sentiment, Kaur Dhody added: “For me, this programme is about creating more mentors and fewer barriers. I hope to learn how to design safe, structured pathways for girls to enter and stay in golf, from school to course to career. If we can show girls playing, leading, and being heard, I believe women’s golf in India will grow faster and stronger across communities.”
The programme assists in helping The R&A open golf to the world by making the sport more accessible, inclusive and appealing to a broader audience. It also highlights the shared commitment of The R&A and the DP World Tour to creating sustainable, long-term impact through golf in India, developing future leaders and supporting the continued growth of the sport across the country.
The participants will continue their development journey over the coming months before reconvening around the DP World India Championship in October, where the progress and impact of the inaugural cohort will be celebrated.