Indian Open Golf 2026 to Commence on March 26 with Elite International Field
The prestigious Indian Open Golf Championship is all set to begin on March 26, 2026, promising an exhilarating week of top-tier competition at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, Haryana. Scheduled to run from March 26 to 29, this edition of the tournament boasts a remarkably strong lineup, featuring five players from the world's top 100 and an additional eight ranked between 101 and 150, making it a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar.
Record Prize Purse and Co-Sanctioned Event
According to official press releases, the 2026 Indian Open has been co-sanctioned by the Indian Golf Union and carries a record-breaking prize purse of USD 2.55 million, underscoring its growing stature in global golf. With 13 competitors from the top 150 world rankings, the event is poised to deliver intense action and showcase some of the finest talents in the sport.
Star-Studded International Contenders
The world-class field will be spearheaded by Akshay Bhatia, a Hero MotoCorp Brand Ambassador and recent winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour, where he triumphed over top players like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy. Joining him is Francesco Molinari of Italy, a Major champion who claimed the Open in 2018 and has been part of three winning European Ryder Cup teams.
The five top-100 players confirmed for the tournament include Bhatia (ranked 22), Casey Jarvis (69), a two-time DP World Tour winner in 2026, Elvis Smylie (74), David Puig (85), and Thriston Lawrence (89). Additionally, the eight players ranked between 101 and 150 feature defending champion Eugenio Chacarra (currently 143rd), along with notable names such as Angel Ayora, Andy Sullivan, Nacho Elvira, Dan Bradbury, Calum Hill, Martin Couvra, and Julien Guerrier.
Strong Home Challenge from Indian Golfers
The international stars will face formidable competition from a robust local contingent led by Shubhankar Sharma, a two-time DP World Tour winner, and Yuvraj Sandhu, who topped the 2025 PGTI Order of Merit. Other prominent Indian participants include previous PGTI OOM winners Manu Gandas, Om Prakash Chouhan, and Veer Ahlawat, who finished as runner-up at the 2024 Hero Indian Open, alongside Rayhan Thomas.
The field also includes multiple PGTI winners like Shaurya Bhattacharya, Sri Lankan N Thangaraja, Honey Baisoya, Khalin Joshi, and Saptak Talwar. Adding to the excitement, two rising stars of Indian golf—16-year-old Kartik Singh and 21-year-old Shubham Jaglan—have received sponsor invitations, highlighting the tournament's role in nurturing young talent.
Recent Form and Season Successes
Beyond rankings, the current form of several players adds to the competitive edge. Six competitors—Jarvis, Bradbury, Freddy Schott, Elvira, and Puig—have already secured victories in the 2026 season. Notably, Casey Jarvis achieved back-to-back wins at the Investec South African Open and the Magical Kenya Open in successive weeks. Furthermore, seven players triumphed in 2025, and a dozen were successful in 2024, making this gathering one of the most decorated fields in recent memory.
Experienced DP World Tour Winners in the Mix
The tournament will also feature seasoned DP World Tour champions such as Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matteo Manassero, Joost Luiten, Jorge Campillo, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Ross Fisher, and Bernd Wiesberger, ensuring a high level of experience and skill on display.
Intense Competition for Points and Tour Cards
With the cut-off for retaining a full card through the Race to Dubai rankings reduced from the top 110 to the top 100, the battle for points and Tour cards has become fiercer than ever. Players will be vying not only for the substantial prize money but also for crucial ranking points, setting the stage for a week of thrilling golf action.
As the Indian Open 2026 approaches, golf enthusiasts can look forward to a spectacular event that blends international star power with homegrown talent, all competing on one of India's premier golf courses.
