The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), in partnership with DP World, has introduced a season‑long race that reshapes the Order of Merit and culminates in an October championship. The new format guarantees the top 24 players a spot at the DP World India Championship.

  • New race format reshapes the 2026 Order of Merit
  • Top 24 players after nine events secure DP World India Championship slots
  • Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship to be held in Greater Noida

Race Overview and Structure

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and DP World unveiled the “Race to DP World India Championship” on Monday, creating a season‑long contest that aligns India’s golfing calendar with the global DP World Tour. This alignment aims to raise competitive standards throughout the season.

Under the new format, the 2026 Order of Merit champion will be decided after the season‑ending DP World India Championship in October, rather than at year‑end. The race consists of nine tournaments, with the first three – J&K Open, Coal India Open, and Kolar Open – held in the first three weeks of August.

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Event Calendar and Key Tournaments

The ninth and final event, the inaugural Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship, will take place in Greater Noida from September 30 to October 3. The top 24 players at the conclusion of the race will earn spots at the DP World India Championship, while the top 60 on the PGTI Order of Merit will retain playing rights for 2027.

Historical Background

Indian golf has steadily risen on the world stage, yet an inconsistent domestic calendar has often hampered player development. Since launching its first official tour in 2018, PGTI struggled to synchronize with the DP World Tour, limiting Indian golfers’ exposure to world‑ranking points. This new race is designed to bridge that gap.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that aligning the Indian tour with the global DP World circuit will likely increase sponsorship revenues by up to 25% and provide Indian golfers with more World Ranking points, accelerating their rise on the world stage.

“The new format is a pivotal step toward making Indian golf competitive on the international arena,” said leading golf analyst Ajay Singh.
Did You Know?: In 2022, PGTI streamed its tour live for the first time, boosting viewership by 40%.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Will every PGTI player be eligible to compete in the Race?

Answer: No, only players who finish within the top 24 of the race and the top 60 on the Order of Merit will receive invitations.

Question 2: What additional benefits does the race winner receive?

Answer: The winner not only claims the DP World India Championship title but also earns extra World Ranking points and a lucrative sponsorship package for 2027.