ASIAN GOLF INDUSTRY FEDERATION

Lobb Energised at Indian Opportunity

Aivot Golf Sports Management signs with Lobb Partners to design multiple golf facilities in India
Aivot CEO Alok Tiwari (seated, left) signing a contract with Tim Lobb (seated right), as Aivot partner David Blum (standing, left) and Lobb + Partners associate Alex Hay (standing, right) look on.
 

Frisco, Texas, United States: International golf course architecture practice Lobb + Partners (L+P) has been hired as a strategic partner for the design of multiple golf destinations across India with the PGA of America by Aivot Golf & Sports Management Private Limited, a newly-founded organisation created by a group of Indian-American investors.

Golf has a long history in India – the sub-continent’s first course, Royal Calcutta, was established in 1829, the first in the world outside Scotland (before golf had even spread to England or Ireland), and in the modern age, there are approximately 300 courses across the country.

But large-scale golf development has been slow to take off in India, despite the historical and cultural fit, because fragmented land ownership has made it difficult for potential developers to acquire suitable properties.

Aivot, along with its partners, has ambitions to fix this, and transform the development of golf in India.

After signing the partnership agreement at the newly-opened PGA of America headquarters in Frisco, Texas, L+P Founder and Principal Tim Lobb said: “As a team we aspire to create world-class golf courses, academies, and outstanding hotel and residential amenities alongside them. This is massively exciting for Indian golf, and we are over-joyed to be involved.” 

The golf facilities will be PGA-branded, and are planned to include a mix of courses, academies and training centres, where Indians, whether previously exposed to golf or not, can develop their skills and enjoy the game.

A substantial number of developments are planned across the sub-continent, in cities and regions including Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru (Bangalore), Chandigarh and Lucknow. The Mumbai, Goa and Hyderabad projects are slated to be first up.

“The Goa project will be a resort – ideal for an area that is a major tourist destination – but some of the others, nearer to major cities, will be integrated golf communities,” said Lobb.

“Aivot is a very forward thinking and talented group, aiming to achieve something new for golf in India,” he added.

Aivot’s CEO Alok Tiwari, a leading entrepreneur in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), said: “Our plans are hugely ambitious – we are trying to create a hub for innovation and excellence in golfer development for India.

“As such, we naturally need partners who provide the absolute best quality support available, and we are confident that, in the PGA of America and Lobb + Partners, we have just that.”

The PGA of America and Lobb + Partners are both members of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Share with your Friends

View More Articles

SGA Unveils 60-Strong National Squad

SGA Unveils 60-Strong National Squad

Posted on August 31, 2025
Singapore: The Singapore Golf Association has unveiled a 60-strong national squad who will represent the country in dome...
Golf Saudi Set for Riyadh Showpiece

Golf Saudi Set for Riyadh Showpiece

Posted on November 27, 2024
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A star-studded field is set for next month’s US$5 million PIF Saudi International powered by SoftB...

Dr. Yasmin Rasyid

Sime Darby Property
Sustainability Scientist / General Manager
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Topic : Maintaining Sustainability Practices at KLGCC
Yasmin is a sustainability scientist with over 26 years’ experience in environmental management and community development. Founder of EcoKnights and now with Sime Darby Property, she drives sustainable township development, decarbonization, and high-impact community initiatives.

Her expertise in sustainability, leadership, and community development, drives impactful decarbonization and social initiatives at Sime Darby Property. She’s also a mentor, creative soul, and passionate volunteer who finds peace in nature.

Chris Geraghty

59 Club Asia
General Manager
Phuket, Thailand
Topic : How Europe Measures the Member/ Visitor Experience
Chris Geraghty, Managing Partner & General Manager of 59club Asia is a seasoned operator having experience in hotel, resort, F&B, and golf contexts. Chris held General Manager positions for Troon Golf at world class facilities in North Africa, The GCC, and Southeast Asia.

Chris has a wealth of experience with 59club tools and resources having been a customer of 59club for many years prior to joining the Company at the end of 2024. Chris has achieved five gold flags as a customer of 59club and was recognized as Golf Manager of the Year for Asia in 2023, perfectly positioning Chris to support client venues throughout the region to maximize the value of working with 59club.