DP World, Dubai’s leading provider of smart logistics and the main sponsor of golf’s DP World Tour, has expanded its global Clubhouse initiative to India.
Clubhouse is DP World’s mission to make golf more accessible by providing purpose-built facilities to underserved youth around the world. India becomes the second country to benefit from the programme, the first of which was started in Cape Town, South Africa, earlier this year.
First-ever DP World India Championship
The launch happened on the sidelines of the US$4 million DP World India Championship, which is currently being played at Delhi Golf Club. World No. 2 and the recent Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy, and Tommy Fleetwood, the world No. 5 and this year’s FedEx Cup champion on the PGA Tour, made an appearance during the launch ceremony.
Both McIlroy and Fleetwood are participating in the inaugural DP World India Championship, which is the biggest golf tournament to be held in the country’s history.
Each Clubhouse is built using repurposed shipping containers and tailored to the needs of the local community, providing golf equipment, sheltered training areas, and a safe space for young talent to develop both their sporting and life skills.
These Clubhouses will remain as permanent facilities within the academies, serving as long-term resources for nurturing young talent and ensuring continued access to world-class training and mentorship opportunities.
In India, the Dubai-based logistics giant has provided a Clubhouse to the ZEN Golf Range & Academy – a community-driven organisation based in the neighbouring satellite town of Gurugram.
Daniel van Otterdijk, Group Chief Communications Officer, DP World, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with ZEN Golf Range & Academy and bring the DP World Clubhouse initiative to India.
“At DP World, we’re using the power of logistics to create opportunities – giving new life to our containers and opening new doors for communities to connect with golf. By supporting grassroots talent, we hope to build a more inclusive future for the game, while empowering young talent through mentorship, education and sport.”
A pop-up Clubhouse experience was also unveiled in the Fan Zone of the ongoing championship, giving visitors a glimpse of what it entails. Fans tried their hand at mini-golf, simulators and chipping challenges, alongside ZEN Golf students and local community guests.
Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World India Subcontinent, added: “DP World Clubhouse coming to India reflects our commitment to advancing the sport through sustainable infrastructure and opportunity. Sport grows when access meets purpose.
“By repurposing our assets to support grassroots golf, we’re helping young talent develop the skills and mindset to pursue their passion for sport. This initiative reflects our belief that progress in sport is like in trade, comes from building the right infrastructure to enable potential to perform.”
Shyam Grover, Managing Director of ZEN Golf Range & Academy, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be chosen as DP World’s partner in this great initiative. This new space will make a real difference to our academy – giving our students access to better facilities, new technology, and a place they can feel inspired to grow. Our students are thrilled about this news, and we can’t wait to integrate it into our junior coaching sessions.”
The company said it will continue to expand the Clubhouse globally.
