The 2026 season kickstarted with the DP World PGTI showcasing growth through a series of significant events. The tour hosted three major tournaments in Naya Raipur, Delhi, and Kolkata, followed by the introduction of 72 The League. These developments highlight the tour’s expansion in both reach and substance.
A key indicator of this progress is the increase in prize money. The season’s initial phase featured events with ₹1.5 crore prize pools each, totaling ₹4.5 crore. This rise in financial scale, such as the SECL Chhattisgarh Open’s purse growing from ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, offers players stronger incentives and heightened competition weeks, enhancing the tour’s value and credibility for sponsors and partners.
Commencing in Naya Raipur with the SECL Chhattisgarh Open Golf Championship, the tour not only boasted a ₹1.5 crore prize but also showcased golf in emerging markets. American golfer Jhared Hack’s impressive victory in the season opener, including a final-round 59, emphasized the tour’s ability to attract attention and deliver fierce competition beyond traditional golf hubs.
Moving to Delhi, the DP World Players Championship at Qutub Golf Course continued the trend with a ₹1.5 crore prize purse, won by Honey Baisoya. This event’s success in the capital city further solidified DP World PGTI’s standing in the Indian sports scene, bringing together key stakeholders and media, enhancing the tour’s prominence.
In Kolkata, the DP World Players Championship 2026 Powered by Urbana maintained the ₹1.5 crore prize money standard, with Om Prakash Chouhan emerging victorious. This event highlighted the tour’s consistency in hosting quality tournaments, showcasing a strategic shift towards sustained excellence rather than sporadic high-profile weeks.
The introduction of 72 The League marked a significant step, introducing a team-based and broadcast-friendly format to the golf calendar. This innovation aims to attract new audiences and commercial interest, complementing the main tour’s structure while exploring formats suited for television and digital platforms.
Additionally, the DP World PGTI NexGen Tour’s launch in Faridabad signifies a commitment to nurturing emerging talent and expanding golf’s reach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With rising prize purses and a focus on supporting young players like Abhishek Kumar, the tour is creating more opportunities for budding professionals, contributing to the sport’s growth and accessibility.
The collective progress in the season’s initial month indicates a promising trajectory for DP World PGTI, driven by enhanced event execution, increased prize money, structured development pathways, and format innovations. This positive momentum suggests a potential for stronger fields, broader audience engagement, and expanded market presence in Indian professional golf.
