The Man Who is Rewriting Golf's Story in India

For generations, golf has been perceived as an elite sport - played on expansive courses, associated with exclusive clubs and often regarded as the preserve of the privileged. But that perception is steadily changing, thanks to the vision of the man Munish Arora, Founder President of Indian Pitch and Putt Association (IPPA) and widely acknowledged as the Father of Pitch and Putt in India and the torchbearer of the sport across Asia.

His mission is both ambitious and deeply personal: to democratise golf by making it affordable, accessible and enjoyable for every Indian, irrespective of age, background, or economic status. "Golf has always been labelled as the rich man's game," he says. "I want to make it so affordable that every individual has the opportunity to play, learn and excel."

At the heart of this vision lies Pitch and Putt, a dynamic format of golf played on shorter courses that retains every element of skill, precision and strategy while dramatically reducing the cost of participation. Requiring far less land (About 8–12 Acres) and infrastructure than conventional golf, it offers the perfect platform to introduce millions to the sport.

Where Championships Are Really Won

One philosophy has become synonymous with his approach to the game: the true battle in golf is won through the short game. "People get excited by the driver," he remarks with a smile. "Those are the ego shots. The real golf happens around the greens."

It is a belief shared by many of the world's greatest golfers. While booming drives may attract applause, tournaments are ultimately decided by precise pitching, delicate chipping and confident putting. Pitch and Putt places these essential skills at the centre of the game, producing technically stronger golfers from the very beginning.

Rather than teaching players to hit the ball the farthest, the focus is on helping them play the smartest.

Building a Grassroots Revolution

What started as a vision has evolved into a nationwide movement.

Over the years, relentless efforts have been directed towards introducing Pitch and Putt into educational institutions, communities and sporting organisations, creating an ecosystem where golf is no longer viewed as an exclusive pastime but as a sport open to everyone.

The objective extends far beyond creating new players. It is about nurturing confidence, discipline, patience, integrity and precision - qualities that define both successful golfers and successful individuals.

As participation continues to grow, India is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for the development of Pitch and Putt in Asia.

The PAR 3 Masters: Where Golf Meets Tourism

A key initiative driving the growth of Pitch and Putt in India is the PAR 3 Masters, the country's premier Pitch and Putt tour. More than just a golfing circuit, it has evolved into a unique platform that combines competitive sport with tourism, networking and destination promotion.

Over the past year, the tour has travelled to Panchkula, Pune, Jaipur, Jammu, Chandigarh, Srinagar and Delhi, bringing together golfers, corporate leaders, travel professionals, diplomats and enthusiasts from across the country. Beyond the competition, each edition has showcased the host city's culture and tourism potential, promoting golf tourism while reinforcing India's emergence as a growing hub for Pitch and Putt.

A Historic Moment for Asian Sport

The journey reaches a significant milestone in November 2026, when India will host the first-ever International Pitch and Putt Tournament in Asia - the India International Pitch and Putt Open 2026.

Recognised by the Federation of International Pitch and Putt Associations (FIPPA), the championship promises to become a watershed moment for the sport across the continent, bringing together players, officials and national associations from around the world.

An open invitation has already been extended to every Pitch and Putt association globally to participate in this historic event. "We welcome the entire global Pitch and Putt family to India.  The India International Pitch and Putt Open is more than a tournament - it is the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in Asia. We look forward to showcasing India's hospitality while creating a platform that unites nations through golf."

A Legacy Beyond Trophies

The impact of this movement is measured not merely by championships hosted or medals won, but by the thousands of people discovering a sport they once believed was beyond their reach.

Today, the man affectionately recognised as the Father of Pitch and Putt in India has become much more than a pioneer. He has emerged as the driving force behind the sport's rapid growth across the region, laying the foundation for Asia to become a significant contributor to the global Pitch and Putt movement.

As the countdown begins for the India International Pitch and Putt Open 2026, one vision continues to gather momentum - that golf should never be defined by privilege, but by passion. Through affordable access, grassroots development and international collaboration, India is poised to become the new home of Pitch and Putt in Asia, inspiring a new generation to embrace a sport where skill outweighs status and precision triumphs over power.