The Marriott India Business Council hosted a charity gala in Bangalore
The sixth edition of the Marriott Bonvoy Golf Tournament at the stunning Prestige Golfshire Club in Bangalore, elevated the sport of golf while championing community causes.
The Marriott India Business Council also led a charity fundraising dinner to support Rising Star Outreach, an organisation that empowers individuals and families to rise above the stigma associated with leprosy to live healthy, productive lives through quality education, medical care, and community development.
Marriott Bonvoy brand ambassador, Arjuna Awardee Shiv Kapur shared his insights exclusively with India Golf Weekly
This year’s edition was again headlined by Arjuna Awardee Shiv Kapur, Marriott Bonvoy’s brand ambassador, now based in Dubai and one of India’s most distinguished golfers. In an exclusive conversation with India Golf Weekly, Shiv Kapur shared his thoughts on golf tourism in India, the potential of destinations like Prestige Golfshire, and his long-standing association with Marriott Bonvoy:
Q1: Dubai has built a strong golf ecosystem, attracting golfers worldwide. What do you see as the major factors behind Dubai’s success in golf development, and what aspects of this model do you think could be realistically adapted for India?
Shiv Kapur:
Dubai has done a few things right. Firstly, they built a great airline with amazing connectivity, making travel very easy. The golf courses they built are all world-class facilities, on par with the best in the world. Lastly, they offer attractive tax benefits for sportspeople, who don’t have to pay taxes on their earnings. Additionally, with young families, the safety and education system are huge factors.
Q2: Golf tourism has become a significant driver for economic growth in destinations like Dubai. How do you view India’s potential to capitalize on golf tourism, and what steps would you suggest to build India as a premier golf destination?
Shiv Kapur:
India has some of the finest hotels in the world and now world-class golf courses to match. However, unlike Spain, Portugal, or even Thailand, we don’t do a very good job of packaging it all together or promoting India as a golfing destination. Our golf courses often appear exclusive to members, and we lack enough public golf courses. Building more public courses—like the Qutab Golf Course in Delhi—will help grow the game domestically and enhance its appeal for tourists.
Q3: As someone who’s traveled extensively, what do you find golf tourists value most when choosing a destination, and how could Indian golf courses like Prestige Golfshire cater to these expectations? Do hotels like JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire offer any golf-specific packages?
Shiv Kapur:
It’s well-documented that golf tourists spend 40–50% more than the average tourist and look for high-end hotels and dining options. The JW Marriott Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa checks all those boxes and more. I recently brought friends from Dubai to Golfshire, and they were amazed at the golf experience India has to offer. Building more such facilities across the country can establish India as Asia’s golfing hub.
Q4: With Prestige Golfshire offering world-class facilities, what role do you see it playing in positioning India as a competitive golf destination? How does it stack up against some of the premier courses globally in terms of appeal to international players?
Shiv Kapur:
It’s a world-class facility, on par with anything globally. Once the new practice facility is completed, it will have the capability to host world-class events, further putting India on the map. The course condition is among the best I’ve seen in the country.
Q5: What potential do you see for Bangalore—and India as a whole—to host more high-profile international golf events that would put Indian golf on the global map?
Shiv Kapur:
Bangalore has always produced great golfers, such as Anirban Lahiri and Aditi Ashok. Coupled with fine golf courses and the country’s best weather, it’s only a matter of time before some of the biggest events will be hosted here.
Q6: How do you see partnerships like your long-term association with Marriott Bonvoy contributing to the growth of golf and golf tourism in India, and what makes this partnership so meaningful and enduring for you?
Shiv Kapur:
At the start of my relationship, the focus was on growing golf and golf tourism, not just in India but across the region. Hosting events around the country, introducing new golfers to the game, and showcasing Marriott Bonvoy’s finest hotels with golf as the vehicle has been something I take great pride in. Through this partnership, we’ve also contributed to charity initiatives, and I’m extremely grateful and proud to be part of the Marriott family.
