Kapil Dev Graces Historic Digboi Golf Course for IOC Master Golf Tournament’s 25th Edition

The quiet town of Digboi in Assam witnessed a rare moment of sporting glory as legendary cricketer Kapil Dev arrived at the historic Digboi Golf Course to participate in the final match of the IOC Master Golf Tournament. The event, now in its 25th edition, drew golfers, sports enthusiasts, and visitors from across the region, turning the normally serene course into a busy arena filled with excitement.

Kapil Dev’s presence added a unique charm. Even though he is widely known for his cricketing legacy, his love for golf has been no secret. The former Indian captain joined the participants on the final day, encouraging players with warm interactions, handshakes, and his humble nature.

Organised by the Assam Oil Division (AOD) of Indian Oil Corporation, the tournament began on November 18 and carried a prize pool of ₹1 crore, making it one of the region’s most prestigious golfing events.

A Historic Course Meets a Historic Player

The Digboi Golf Course, built during the British era, is considered one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in India. Spread across lush green terrain with gentle slopes and natural water bodies, the field is known for both its charm and its tricky layout. Many golfers say that the course tests not only skill but also patience—qualities Kapil Dev is admired for.

Speaking informally with a group of young players, Kapil Dev mentioned that playing in a place like Digboi reminded him of “how sport connects people in the simplest ways.” Though it wasn’t a formal quote session, his words resonated with players who looked up to him, especially those seeing him for the first time.

A Tournament That Continues to Grow

Organised by Assam Oil Division

The IOC Master Golf Tournament has become an annual tradition for the Assam Oil Division. What started as a regional sporting event years ago has now grown into a tournament that attracts noted professionals, corporate golfers, and seasoned amateurs.

Officials from the organising committee explained that this year’s edition was special not only because of the milestone—25 years—but also because of the increasing participation from outside the Northeast. Several golfers said they travelled to Digboi because they wanted to experience the course that people often describe as “quietly magnificent.”

Prize Pool of ₹1 Crore

The ₹1 crore prize pool gave the tournament a competitive edge. While the event is known for its friendly sporting spirit, the prize money added an element of seriousness. Players discussed strategies at the practice range, some saying that the greens felt more challenging this year due to light morning dew and shifting winds in the afternoon.

A senior caddie, who has worked on the course for more than 15 years, shared that the tournament brings a “different kind of energy” every time. “But when someone like Kapil Sir comes, the whole course feels different,” he added with a smile.

Kapil Dev’s Lasting Influence on Indian Sport

Even decades after lifting the 1983 Cricket World Cup trophy, Kapil Dev remains a respected voice in Indian sports. His involvement in golf over the years has inspired many former athletes to explore the sport. Some professional golfers at Digboi said they started taking golf seriously only after seeing Kapil Dev play in earlier events across India.

A Cricketer Who Fell in Love with Golf

Kapil Dev began playing golf after retiring from cricket, finding it a perfect blend of concentration, calmness, and challenge. His swing has become the subject of admiration at many tournaments he attends. At Digboi, spectators watched him closely as he walked across the fairways with ease, occasionally smiling at children who followed him hoping for a selfie.

Though he didn’t participate competitively in the tournament, his involvement in the final match acted more like a morale booster. Several golfers later said that simply sharing the course with a sports legend was “a bigger reward than any trophy.”

Why Digboi Matters in India’s Golf Map

A Heritage Course

Digboi Golf Course is not just a field—it is a part of India’s oil heritage. Set near one of Asia’s oldest oil refineries, the course attracts both tourists and serious players. The British-era layout retains its original character, with natural bends and elevations that make it a rewarding challenge.

Golfers who participated this year said the fairways felt smoother than earlier editions, thanks to recent maintenance efforts by the organisers. One amateur player from Kolkata shared that he had always wanted to play in Digboi because the course has “a soul that modern golf courses often lack.”

Boost to Regional Sports Tourism

Events like the IOC Master Golf Tournament bring visibility to Assam’s sporting potential. Local hotel owners said they noticed a rise in bookings this week, mostly from tournament participants and their families. Taxi services and restaurants also reported a modest increase in activity.

A few shop owners near the venue said they were happy to see more visitors, especially those curious about the town’s oil history. The mix of sports and tourism created a lively environment throughout the week.

The Final Day: Excitement, Applause, and Memorable Moments

The final day of the tournament felt more like a festival. Spectators gathered early, eager for a glimpse of Kapil Dev. Children in school uniforms waited near the entrance, waving small flags and hoping for an autograph.

Players warmed up at the driving range while the organising team ensured everything ran smoothly. As the final match progressed, many were impressed by the discipline and calmness of the competing golfers. The event maintained a professional yet friendly atmosphere, with volunteers guiding spectators and helping maintain silence during crucial shots.

A short closing ceremony took place after the match, where Kapil Dev congratulated the participants. Although it wasn’t a long speech, his simple message—“Keep playing, keep improving”—struck a chord with many.

What Makes This Tournament Stand Out

• A milestone 25th edition, marking steady growth over the years
• Presence of sports icon Kapil Dev, inspiring new and seasoned golfers
• Historic Digboi Golf Course, offering a unique mix of beauty and difficulty
• A robust ₹1 crore prize pool, encouraging high-level participation
• Boost to local tourism and economy, supporting businesses in Digboi

Looking Ahead

With the success of this year’s event, many players hope the IOC Master Golf Tournament will continue to expand. Some even suggested introducing junior categories in future editions to promote golf among young talents in the Northeast.

Officials expressed optimism and hinted that more partnerships and improvements are planned for coming years. Though details were not disclosed, the enthusiasm among organisers and participants indicates a bright future.

FAQs

1. When did the 25th IOC Master Golf Tournament begin?

The tournament began on November 18 at the Digboi Golf Field.

2. Who organised the event?

The event was organised by Indian Oil Corporation’s Assam Oil Division.

3. What was the prize pool?

The tournament featured a ₹1 crore prize pool.

4. Why was Kapil Dev present?

Kapil Dev joined the final match to encourage players and be part of the tournament’s 25th edition celebrations.

5. Where is the Digboi Golf Course located?

It is located in Digboi, Assam, and is considered one of India’s oldest golf courses.

A related development in Assam’s sports scene was Team India’s recent arrival in Guwahati for a historic match, which you can read about here: Team India arrives in Guwahati for historic first