Staff WriterGolf has a reputation in India for being a members-only handshake—exclusive, expensive, and firmly behind a gate. The R&A Foundation is trying to unbolt that gate in Delhi, partnering with the Magic Bus India Foundation to show schoolgirls that the sport isn’t “for someone else”, it’s for them, too.
Magic Bus, which began more than 26 years ago using sport to teach life skills, has added golf as its newest offering with backing from The R&A Foundation—turning a game once viewed as out of reach into something that can happen on a school week, in school uniform, with classmates.
A sport “out of reach” arrives at school
Launched in 2024 at Salwan Girls’ Senior Secondary School, the programme targets girls aged 12–15 and blends structured life skills education with introductory golf coaching. It started with scale: 491 students joined in the first wave. From there, 50 girls—those showing the strongest interest and aptitude—continued into ongoing coaching, while all 491 will remain in life skills education for three years.
The aim is not simply to teach a backswing. Magic Bus sets out to build communication, self-management, and emotional resilience—skills intended to travel well beyond the range bay and into education, work, and family life. The added twist is that golf becomes the vehicle: a sport many families have historically perceived as inaccessible.
And that’s where The R&A’s long-term intent comes in: widening golf’s footprint by putting it in communities that have not traditionally had the invitation, the access, or the confidence to participate.
Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, said, “The R&A Foundation invests in programmes that use golf for good and have the power to transform lives. Magic Bus is delivering an approach that not only opens the door to the sport for girls, but strengthens their confidence and enhances their life skills and future prospects.
“Thanks to the generosity of our philanthropic donors, we are proud to support a programme that is helping transform lives and communities through golf.”
Life skills first, golf swings second
If you want a neat summary of Magic Bus, it’s this: they don’t treat sport as a trophy—more as a toolkit. Their model is designed to develop participants “from childhood to livelihood”, using regular sessions and mentorship to grow agency, discipline, and emotional control.
Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, said, “At Magic Bus, we believe life skills gained through sport are a powerful catalyst for development. By introducing golf we are democratising access to a sport once seen as exclusive, while building critical life skills, agency and confidence in young girls.
“Our partnership with The R&A Foundation reflects a shared commitment to nurturing resilient girls who can emerge as meaningful contributors to India’s growth story. When girls are equipped with skills, opportunity and aspiration, they become drivers of a stronger, more inclusive Viksit Bharat*.”
In plain terms: this isn’t golf as a finishing school. It’s golf as a confidence engine—paired with teaching that helps girls speak up, manage time, and navigate pressure.
Coaching that keeps score—and keeps it fun
To ensure the golf side isn’t an afterthought, The Golf Revolution has aligned with Magic Bus to deliver golf-specific coaching: theory, practical range work, simulator-based learning, long and short game drills, and monthly distance metrics.
Sachit Soni, Co-Founder of The Golf Revolution, said, “The Golf Revolution’s creative and innovative approach to group training makes it a highly engaging experience. Watching the girls take to golf with such enjoyment and commitment has been remarkable; in only eight months they have developed swings that many golfers take years to build. Their focus and determination show just how impactful it is to bring golf into schools and to open the door to new possibilities.”
That line about eight months is the bit that will make any weekend golfer feel personally attacked—in the nicest possible way.
Three girls, three turning points
Programmes like this can drown in big numbers, so it helps to meet the faces behind the stats. The early success is already visible in participants such as Jainab, Ritika and Somi—each showing how access, routine, and mentorship can shift a young person’s trajectory.
Jainab: from shy to runner-up
Twelve-year-old Jainab started as a hesitant student, uncertain and quiet. Through weekly life skills sessions and golf training, she learned to communicate more confidently, manage her time, and take initiative in class. The change wasn’t theoretical—she then produced a strong performance at her first tournament, finishing as runner-up.
Of her new-found love for golf, Jainab commented, “When I first played golf, I didn’t even know what it was. But when the second session happened, we enjoyed it so much. We learned so many good things. One day I want people to see me and say, ‘That’s Jainab, the professional golfer!’”
Her father, Mohammad Javed, reflected on the change he has seen in his successful daughter, “No one in our family has reached such heights. Jainab was shy before but now she talks openly, shares everything and moves ahead with confidence. We will support her in whatever she wants to do.”
That’s not just sporting progress. That’s a family seeing new possibilities appear where none existed before.
Ritika: finding a voice—and using it
Ritika, 13, used to struggle to speak up in class and often avoided group activities. With help from teachers and coaches, she began contributing more and found confidence through the programme’s emphasis on patience, focus, and teamwork.
A girl who is now more expressive, motivated and willing to lead both on the course and in the classroom, Ritika said, “Earlier, I used to be scared to speak. I thought if I made a mistake people would judge me. But Magic Bus taught us to be leaders. When we lead a team, we must explain rules and talk confidently. That’s how my confidence came.”
Her mother, Uma Devi, is particularly proud that Ritika now has the freedom and opportunity to participate in a sport she herself never had the chance to experience.
She commented, “The kind of opportunity Ritika has got, I never had. I grew up in a strict household where girls were not allowed outside. Now I encourage her with all my heart. I feel proud she has chances I did not.”
If you’re looking for the emotional centre of this story, it’s right there: one generation opening doors the previous generation never got to approach.
Somi: discipline, balance, and a changed mind at home
Before joining, 15-year-old Somi struggled to organise her time and manage stress. Her parents were initially hesitant, believing golf was reserved for wealthy families.
Manju Kumari, Somi’s mother said, “I didn’t like it at all in the beginning. I thought golf is for rich people and we cannot play this game. But when she told me she was playing and enjoying it, I supported her.
“And there have been so many positive changes. She now understands what is important in studies. She manages her time. She communicates well. And she does her work on her own.”
Through life skills sessions and regular practice, Somi learned discipline, emotional control and responsibility. She now balances studies, training and home duties with confidence.
Reflecting on the benefits, Somi said, “Discipline is what playing golf has done for me. My confidence increased. My fitness improved. My diet improved. Everything became better than before.”
That’s the hidden power of a structured sport: it makes the rest of life feel less chaotic.
Expansion plans: bigger reach, same mission
This year, it is anticipated that 1200 students from two additional schools—Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya and Salwan Boys’ School—will be introduced to golf via the Magic Bus India Foundation.
The long view is clear: the R&A Foundation is backing not only the growth of golf, but the growth of young people through the game—linking access to opportunity, and opportunity to confidence, capability, and long-term outcomes.
The Magic Bus programme will continue to evolve, with plans to expand access to more schools, deepen life skills training and strengthen connections with India’s wider golf community.
And if you want to see the human stories behind the headlines: Watch this video to learn more about the Magic Bus India Foundation and the golf participants’ stories.
A wider push for a more open game
The bigger theme here—beyond Delhi, beyond any single school—is The R&A’s wider mission to build a more inclusive and accessible future for golf worldwide. By drawing on extensive global networks and partnerships, the R&A Foundation aims to ensure every donation delivers meaningful impact where it’s needed most.
Because when a girl who once thought the sport was “not for us” starts talking about becoming a professional golfer, you’re not just watching a new hobby. You’re watching a ceiling lift.
Viksit Bharat (Developed India) is the Indian government’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by its 100th year of independence in 2047.
FAQ
Q: What is the R&A Foundation supporting in Delhi?
A: A school-based programme combining life skills education with introductory golf coaching for girls aged 12–15.
Q: How many students joined the programme at launch?
A: 491 students joined initially, with 50 continuing into focused golf coaching.
Q: Which schools are expected to be added next?
A: Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya and Salwan Boys’ School, with an anticipated 1200 students introduced to golf.
