Hero Indian Open 2026 Announces Record Prize Purse and Stellar Field
The Hero Indian Open 2026 is set to make a grand return to Gurugram from March 26 to 29, promising an unparalleled showcase of golfing talent. This prestigious event, sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Indian Golf Union, has unveiled a record-breaking prize purse of USD 2.55 million, marking a significant increase from last year's USD 2.25 million. This enhancement underscores the tournament's growing stature on the global golf calendar.
Star-Studded Lineup Headlined by Akshay Bhatia
The tournament will be headlined by the rising star Akshay Bhatia, a 24-year-old Indian-American golfer who has recently achieved remarkable success. Bhatia, who clinched victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026 at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, USA, is currently ranked second in the FedEx Cup standings. As the Global Brand Ambassador of Hero MotoCorp, this event marks his highly anticipated debut in India, adding significant excitement to the competition.
Other notable participants include:
- Rayhan Thomas, another Hero MotoCorp Brand Ambassador, who has been competing on the Korn Ferry Tour for the past two years and has confirmed his participation.
- Francesco Molinari of Italy, a three-time PGA Tour winner and the first Italian to win a major at The Open Championship in 2018. Molinari is also a six-time DP World Tour winner and a key player in Europe's victorious Ryder Cup teams in 2010, 2012, and 2018.
- Eugenio Chacarra of Spain, the reigning champion, and Thomas Detry of Belgium, winner of the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour in 2025.
- Current DP World Tour season winners such as South Africa's Casey Jarvis, Spain's Nacho Elvira, and Germany's Freddy Schott.
Top Indian Contenders Ready to Shine
The field will also feature a strong contingent of Indian golfers, including former runner-up Veer Ahlawat, Yuvraj Sandhu—the 2025 India No. 1—Manu Gandas, and Shaurya Bhattacharya. Their participation highlights the depth of talent in Indian golf and sets the stage for intense competition on home soil.
Official Statements Highlight Tournament's Significance
Brijinder Singh, President of the Indian Golf Union, emphasized the importance of the event, stating, "The Hero Indian Open remains the crown jewel in the calendar of the Indian Golf Union. This year's tournament promises to be bigger than ever as we welcome a stellar field of leading international players along with India’s finest professionals."
Sanjay Bhan, Executive Vice President of Hero MotoCorp, added, "The association between Hero MotoCorp and the Indian Open has grown stronger with every passing year and today stands as a proud partnership spanning more than two decades."
The Hero Indian Open 2026 is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts, combining world-class competition with a record financial incentive, further cementing its status as a premier event in the sport.
