He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
A few people have left their marks of distinction throughout the history of sports. Indian golf players are titans among these luminaries.
Their incredible adventures have altered the sport’s landscape and won the hearts and minds of millions of people throughout the world.
Through their achievements in winning major championships, these people have irrevocably changed the definition of what it means to be a champion.
Come along with us as we go through the victories, setbacks, and pivotal events that have moulded the careers of these legendary players and illuminated the way for future generations of budding golfers.
Arjun Atwal
Arjun Atwal is among India’s foremost golfers, driven by a passion for the sport since childhood.
Notably, he holds several groundbreaking achievements in Indian golfing history.
Breaking barriers, Atwal made history as the first Indian to compete in the US PGA Tour, catapulting him to national acclaim.
Following this milestone, he earned recognition as the second Indian golfer, after Jeev Milkha Singh, to secure membership on the European Tour.
Key highlights of Atwal’s illustrious career include winning the European Tour order of merit event, a first for an Indian golfer.
He nearly clinched victory on the PGA Tour in 2005 and also became the first Indian on the Asian PGA Tour to exceed $1 million in earnings.
Additionally, he held victories in the 2000 Hero Honda Masters as well as being honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2007, cementing his legacy in Indian sports history.
Despite facing the challenging outing at the 2011 Masters tournament, where he struggled to make the cut, Atwal remains a symbol of resilience and determination in the world of golf.
His journey continues to inspire aspiring Indian golfers across the nation.
Jeev Milkha Singh
Jeev Milkha Singh stands as a towering figure in Indian golfing history, propelled by his exceptional talent and relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the son of the legendary athlete, Milkha Singh, Jeev inherited a legacy of determination.
In 2008, he made history by becoming the first Indian golfer to break into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
His prowess on the golf course was further highlighted by his 12th-place ranking in the European Tour Tournament of the same year.
He is the sole Indian golfer to have a tournament named after him – the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational.
In 2007, Jeev was bestowed with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Government of India, recognising his outstanding contributions to sports.
Additionally, his dominance in Asian golf was solidified when he topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2008, further affirming his status as a dominant force
Jeev’s journey also includes significant milestones at the Masters Tournament, where he made history as the first Indian golfer to compete.
With three appearances at the prestigious event, Jeev’s presence on the Augusta greens remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport.
While his journey at the Masters concluded in 2009, Jeev Milkha Singh’s impact on Indian golfing continues to inspire generations, embodying the spirit of resilience and excellence on and off the course.
Anirban Lahiri
Anirban Lahiri has emerged as one of the more prominent Indian golfers since turning professional in 2007.
Joining the Asian Tour in 2008 marked the beginning of his illustrious journey in the sport.
With two European Tour victories and an impressive tally of seven Asian Tour wins, Lahiri has firmly established himself as a formidable competitor on the global stage.
In 2014, he achieved a significant milestone by breaking into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking.
His stellar victories were further recognised when he was voted as the Asian Player of the Year in the same year.
Lahiri’s exceptional journey reached new heights when he became the second Indian golfer to earn multiple appearances at the prestigious Masters tournament.
His debut at the Masters in 2015 was marked by a display of remarkable composure under pressure, as he secured a commendable tied-49th finish.
Lahiri’s resilience and competitive spirit were once again on full display during his second consecutive appearance in 2016, where he got his best Masters finish to date, tied-42nd.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Lahiri was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2014, a testament to his significant impact on golf in India.
As a Rio 2016 Olympian and a trailblazer in Indian golf, Anirban Lahiri continues to inspire aspiring golfers.
Shubhankar Sharma
Shubhankar Sharma, hailing from Jhansi and under the guidance of renowned coach Jesse Grewal in Chandigarh, emerges as a rising star in Indian golf.
Despite his young age, Sharma has positioned himself as a promising prospect on the international stage.
Clinching two European Tour titles, Sharma has consistently demonstrated his ability to excel past the competition.
At 21 years old, Sharma made history as the youngest Indian golfer to compete at the Masters.
The pinnacle of Sharma’s career thus far came in 2018.
In a breakout season, he clinched victories at the Johannesburg Open and Maybank Malaysian Championships on the European Tour.
These triumphs catapulted him into the global spotlight, earning him a top 70 ranking in the world.
In a remarkable feat, Sharma became the youngest recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award in September 2018, highlighting his rapid ascent in the sport.
As of 2024, he stands as India’s highest-ranked golfer in the Official World Golf Rankings.
Vijay Singh
Vijay Singh, a legendary figure in the world of golf.
Born in 1963, Singh’s journey from humble beginnings to global acclaim epitomises perseverance and excellence in golf.
Vijay Singh has secured three Major championships during his illustrious career, including victories at the Masters Tournament in 2000 and the PGA Championship in 1998 and 2004.
Whilst he was born in Fiji, he was the first person of South Asian (Indian) descent to win a major championship.
Singh reached the pinnacle of golf by attaining the world number one ranking, a testament to his dominance on the course.
He held this prestigious title for a total of 32 weeks, showcasing his consistency and skill at the highest level.
In 2008, Singh clinched the FedEx Cup, a season-long championship on the PGA Tour.
His stellar performances throughout the season culminated in this prestigious title.
Throughout his career, Singh amassed an impressive total of 34 victories on the PGA Tour, placing him among the elite ranks of the sport’s most successful players.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006.
This prestigious honour immortalises his legacy and solidifies his place among the greatest golfers of all time.
As we draw the curtain on our exploration of the best Indian golfers of all time, we are left with a profound appreciation for these iconic figures.
Through triumphs and setbacks, these luminaries have rewritten the narrative of Indian golf. possible.
Their contributions to the sport have not only elevated Indian golf onto the global stage but have also instilled a sense of pride and unity among sports enthusiasts across the nation.
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