New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS) International Sports Management Limited (ISM), one of the world’s leading management companies, launched its India operations Tuesday with top golfers from the country Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur assuring their help in setting up academies at the grassroot level to push the game to the next level.
Founded in 1989 by former European Tour professional Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, the UK-based ISM manages top Indian professionals Jeev, Shiv Kapur and SSP Chowrasia, who between them have 15 titles on European, Asian and Japan Tours.
ISM manages the World No.1 Lee Westwood, three-time Major winner Ernie Els, and Louis Ooosthuizen, the reigning Open champion, are among the golfers managed by ISM.
Also under the ISM banner is Rory McIlroy, considered by many as a future World No.1 and first spotted by ISM. Ryder Cup legend, Darren Clarke and David Howell are also part of the ISM team.
‘We at ISM have been thinking about India operations for a long time. While cricket has always been very big in India, we have noticed the growth of golf and the way Indian players have made a big impact in world golf. We have been managing Jeev Milkha Singh, Shiv Kapur and SSP Chowrasia, all proven champions, but now it is time for more Indian players to make a mark outside India, said ‘Chubby Chandler.
‘Apart from managing players, we also wish to set up with local Indian partners golf academies, help in course design, and promoting new events in this region,’ he added.
‘We are also in talks with cricketers and cricket officials.’
Present at the launch, Jeev Milkha Singh, India’s best-known golfer with wins on Asian, European and Japan Tours, said, ‘ISM has been a great help for golfers like Shiv and myself. They have been taking care of all our needs like travel, hotel bookings and entries, sometimes, even in big events in Europe and US. Their expertise and knowledge of the golfing world will help out upcoming golfers.’
Kapur, added, ‘As golfers, all we want to do is to play. So when some specialists take care of your other needs, you can go out and play without any stress getting the right flights and hotels.’
The India operations will be led by Neeraj Sareen, a former junior amateur golfer, and a regular organizer and promoter of golf events in India.
