At 16, Kartik Singh is the youngest member of the 144-strong field and one of five fast-rising Indian debutants at the $4 million DP World India Championship that tees off on Thursday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
Indian golf’s Gen Next hope to make a mark on DPWIC debut
By Rahul Banerji
For a few young men, the $4 million DP World India Championship will be a priceless opportunity to share a locker room and pick up valuable insights from some of the greats of their chosen sport.
Besides a host of experienced stars, the DP World PGTI contingent at the Delhi Golf Club tournament also features an exciting crop of youngsters between 18 and 22 years of age, Indian golf’s Gen Next, so to say.
Among the debutants are 16-year-old Kartik Singh, Vishesh Sharma (19), Manoj S. (18), Anshul Kabthiyal (21), and 22-year-old Shubham Jaglan.
All five earned spots at the DPWIC by finishing inside the top 24 in the Race to DP World India Championship at the end of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at Jaypee Greens last week.
Of the five, Manoj will be the first to tee off, at 10 am alongside Mohd Azhar aand Nepal’s Sunhash Tamang, who will be the first from his country to play a DP World Tour event.
Vishesh, Manoj and Anshul are ranked 16th, 17th and 18th on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, while Kartik and Shubham are 20th and 21st. Shubham and Vishesh also won their maiden professional titles on the domestic circuit this season.
Vishesh leads the charge of the youth brigade. The Hyderabad lad, who played his first domestic season last year, is riding on the confidence of a breakthrough win at his home course last month besides two other top-10s.
Proud moment
Vishesh, who was India no. 1 in the 13 to 15 age category said, “It’s an honour to be here, playing alongside the biggest golfing stars in the world.
“We’re all proud to represent India, and this is a huge opportunity to show what we can do and what Indian golf has to offer. Performing well here would mean a lot to me.”
Bangalore’s Manoj, also in his second season as a professional, fought his way into the top 24 with a late flourish with T5 and T2 finishes in the two events preceding this week’s season-finale.
He went from 26th to 17th place in the Order of Merit following his joint runner-up finish at the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in Greater Noida.
“Last week was really important because I was outside the top 24 and needed a good finish to qualify,” the teenager said.
“I managed to do that, so now I want to stay focused, carry that momentum into this week and see how it goes.
“It’s going to be a great experience for me, and I can’t wait to tee it up on Thursday. It’s a tough course and I’m not hitting driver at all this week. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Consistent performer
Kabthiyal comes into the event with four top-10s under his belt this season including a runner-up finish. A winner of 10 junior and six amateur titles, he has been a consistent performer since last season and is a name to watch out this week at DGC.
Sixteen-year-old Kartik Singh is the youngest player in the field at the DP World India Championship. He’s already made an impression in his first season on the DP World PGTI with two top 10s to his name.
Kartik was the top-ranked junior and amateur golfer in India prior to turning professional.
Kartik said, “I’ve watched players like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood on television for years, and I still watch them regularly.
“To now have the chance to play alongside my idols feels really special. My main goal is to enjoy the week and make the most of this experience.”
Former India no. 1 junior Jaglan, who played collegiate golf in the US before turning professional last year, has enjoyed a fruitful season in 2026, winning in Kolkata, claiming a third place finish and another top 10 during the season.
Inspiring memories
“I’m very excited to compete at the DGC where I have grown up playing. I would watch the Indian Open here as a kid and follow the likes of Anirban Lahiri on the course,” Jaglan said.
“Now, I’m competing alongside him at the same event. So, it’s very special to be on the other side of the rope now.
“I’ve played well all year long and now I’m in a position where I can compete this week. These are the goals you set for yourself. These are the tournaments you want to play and win.”
On the young brigade, tour CEO Amandeep Johl, said, “The presence of so many talented young golfers at the DPWIC is a testament to the growing strength and depth of the game and our endeavour of creating maximum playing opportunities for our players.
“Competing alongside some of the world’s best players on home soil is an invaluable opportunity for these youngsters to test themselves at the highest level, gain confidence and accelerate their development.
“We hope this experience will inspire them to raise their ambitions and demonstrate that Indian golf has a bright future on the global stage.”
Also read: Shubhankar banks on the home feeling at DP World C’ship
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