India has potential to be a world force: Asian Tour CEO

"India is one of the most important markets and hubs for the Asian Tour. We have a close working relationship with the PGTI and Indian Golf Union and India contributes four tournaments -- the Hero Indian Open, the Avantha Masters, Panasonic Open India and SAIL-SBI Open -- on the Asian Tour schedule, making it one of the largest markets by event," Kerr said.

"As for the quality of golfers, you only need to look at the results. Each year India is producing new talent, and they are winning, too. This year alone Indian boys have won Panasonic Open India (Digvijay Singh), Yeangder TPC (Gaganjeet Bhullar) and in between Jeev Milkha Singh won the Scottish Open in Europe. In addition, I have noticed that almost each week there are Indians in contention and often in top-5.

"So we firmly believe that as these events (in India) develop over time and new events evolve to place, India will be one of the leading golf nations in the near future," he added.

India's success has dovetailed with the growth of the Asian Tour. Since the formation of the Asian Tour (formerly called Asian PGA) in the mid-1990s, Indians have won close to 60 titles and that is one the highest by any Asian country.

"So as the Asian Tour grows, countries like India will grow faster. My long term vision is to see the Asian Tour grow into a 38-39 tournament schedule, much like the European Tour and PGA Tour today, and offering over USD 100 million in prize money annually.

"The Asian Tour is a viable and attractive platform for sponsors and corporations to invest in the game and we will actively look at ways to deliver greater value to our partners and sponsors." (MORE)