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Golf gave them glory and money and helped them climb the social ladder. Now, these stars are giving back to the sport.

SSP CHAWRASIA (39)

Turned professional: 1997

Home course: Royal Calcutta Golf Club Honour: Arjuna Award in 2017

Wins on Asian Tour: 6; total earnings $3,209,973 (ninth on highest-earners’ list) Wins on European Tour:

4 (co-sanctioned with Asian Tour); total earnings €2,576,401

Earnings on Professional Golf Tour of India: ~12,437,335

Coming up with a foundation to support children from poor backgrounds in Kolkata

ALI SHER (58)

Turned professional: 1982

Home course: Delhi Golf Club

Feat: The first Indian pro to win the Indian Open in 1991 and 1993

Honours: Arjuna Award in 1991, honorary membership of the Delhi Golf Club

He is mostly engaged in coaching now. A significant portion of his earnings have gone to charity, and tales of his benevolence abound Delhi Golf Club

SHAMIM KHAN (39)

Turned professional: 1995 Home course: Delhi Golf Club

Highest earner on Professional Golf Tour of India: ~35,750,866

Joint second for most number of wins on PGTI: 13

Helps those in need with equipment and coaching when not on tour

The top three on the PGTI winners’ list — Mukesh Kumar (19 wins), Ashok Kumar and Shamim Khan (13 each) — have overcome incredible odds such as poverty to reach their current status