FAQs
General Understanding of the Program
The program aims to support talented young Indian golfers by offering them holistic mentorship — covering coaching, physical and mental fitness, competition exposure, and professional development — to help them reach the highest level of the game.
While we’re looking for strong performers, this program is for committed, disciplined, and high-potential junior golfers in the top 25 of the IGU Order of Merit. We value character and intent as much as ranking.
Unlike a coaching centre, this is a mentorship platform led by Anirban Lahiri himself, providing end-to-end support — not just swing training, but team-building, travel planning, mental coaching, fitness, and a lot more.
Yes, absolutely. We expect athletes to continue formal education. The mentorship is structured to complement their current school and golf schedules.
Each selected athlete is mentored for an initial period of one year, with potential for renewal based on performance, attitude, and commitment.
Eligibility & Selection
Applicants should ideally be aged 14–17 and ranked in the Top 25 of the IGU Order of Merit in their category. Exceptions may be made for exceptional talent.
Yes, we encourage applications from exceptional young golfers who show potential. Our selection committee evaluates the full profile — not just rankings.
Yes, players of Indian origin based overseas may apply, especially if ranked within the top tier of the WAGR rankings.
The process includes:
- Application screening
- Online panel interview
- In-person interaction with Anirban and directors
- Final selection
The panel includes Anirban Lahiri, senior members of the ALF team, and experts in junior golf development.
Support & Benefits
ALF provides partial financial support based on individual needs, as assessed by the team. This
may include but is not restricted to:
- Tour related expenses
- Coaching and performance related expenses
- Equipment support
- Educational support
Yes, in select cases where participation aligns with the athlete’s development plan and has been approved by the foundation.
Currently, our expert team includes:
- Chief Mentor – Anirban Lahiri
- Golf Instruction – Vijay Divecha
- Program Director: Abhishek Jha
ALF Panel of elite sports science experts.
That’s perfectly fine. ALF respects existing athlete teams. We will collaborate with your experts and offer independent assessments and feedback to support growth.
Each athlete will have one dedicated session per month with Anirban (online or in-person), in addition to periodic group interactions.
Education and Personal Development
Education is a priority. We work with families to ensure golf training complements academics, not competes with it. In some cases, we support education-related costs too.
With help from the athlete’s dedicated coordinator, we assist in scheduling, communication with schools (if needed), and planning off-season breaks for academics.
Yes. Mental wellness is central to performance. Athletes have access to sports psychology sessions and mentoring to build emotional resilience.
Yes. We provide media training, social media awareness, and personal brand coaching to help athletes handle public interactions professionally.
Parental Involvement & Communication
We expect parents to be supportive partners in the journey. Open communication and regular feedback help us build a collaborative environment.
Yes. Parents receive monthly and quarterly reports on performance, fitness, and development, prepared by the athlete coordinator.
Each athlete will have a dedicated coordinator who acts as the single point of contact for all needs — logistics, queries, and scheduling.
Athlete Accountability & Reviews
At ALF, emphasis is given to commitment, work ethics and process building. Performances will
not be the only parameter to measure the athletes growth and progress. We expect:
- Dedication to training and academics.
- Discipline and respect for timelines.
- Honest communication with mentors and team.
Performance KPIs (Key Performance Incentives) will be customized for each athlete.
We offer guidance and chances to correct course. If issues persist, support may be paused or withdrawn based on review outcomes.
No. Attitude, effort, and professionalism are equally important. This program is about nurturing the whole athlete, not just chasing rankings.
Post-Program Pathway
The Foundation may extend support based on merit and progress. We will also guide athletes through turning pro or pursuing college golf.
Yes. We will support the transition through planning, sponsorship guidance, team-building, and more.
We assist with guidance and mentorship for those aspiring to study and play golf abroad, but we are not a scholarship agency.
Other Practical Questions
We aim to select 3 athletes per year to maintain high-quality, personalised mentorship.
There is no application fee and no hidden charges. Selected athletes receive support as per the program terms.
No. Athletes can stay where they currently train. We work around their existing setup while coordinating centralized support.
No. Athletes retain full control over personal endorsements. ALF may feature them on digital or
promotional platforms with prior consent. However, our athletes are expected to wear ALF
apparel and gear during foundation activities and promotional events.