DP World PGTI chief executive Amandeep Johl (from left), board member Amardeep Malik, 2026 Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar and deputy director Tourism (Kashmir) Rashid Raina at the launch event of the 2026 J&K Open in New Delhi on Wednesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Edition five of the J&K Open will mark the “back nine” of the DP World PGTI’s 2026 season and held at Srinagar’s picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course from August 4 to 7.
The state government through Jammu & Kashmir Tourism together with the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India, the official sanctioning body of men’s professional golf in India, jointly announced the event in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The tournament will offer Rs 1 crore in prize money, up from Rs 50 lakh at the previous edition that was played in Jammu Tawi.
The J&K Open is also supported by the tour’s umbrella partner and global smart logistics provider DP World besides Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Campa, Air India Maharaja Club and Kalyani.
The 132-strong field will feature leading Indian professionals including current Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, defending champion Shaurya Bhattacharya and Angad Cheema, to name a few.
Fourteen overseas players from nine countries including the USA, Japan, Czech Republic, Canada and Malaysia amongst others will also be in the fray.
Iconic venue
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Director Tourism (Kashmir) Rashid Raina, said,“The Government of J&K is proud to support the J&K Open golf tournament at the iconic Royal Springs Golf Course, one of India’s finest golfing venues.
“The tournament not only reinforces the state’s reputation as a leading destination for golf tourism but also highlights our commitment to promoting high-quality sporting events that contribute to tourism growth and economic development.
“We are confident that the championship will attract widespread attention, further elevate the profile of Kashmir on the national sporting calendar and create memorable experiences for players and visitors alike.”
Added tour CEO Amandeep Johl,“The DP World Professional Golf Tour of India is delighted to return to the majestic Royal Springs Golf Course for the J&K Open, a tournament that is one of the most eagerly awaited stops on our schedule.
“The tournament sets the tone for an exciting second half of the season. The Robert Trent Jones II-designed course provides a championship venue admired by players for both its outstanding playing conditions and breathtaking surroundings.
Competitive event
“We look forward to a highly competitive week that will showcase India’s leading golfing talent while further strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s position as one of India’s premier golf destinations.”
Order of Merit leader Talwar said he was looking forward to his first outing at Royal Springs, while tour board member Amardeep Malik added that he was keen to kick-start the second half of his season and challenge Talwar for season honours.
The tournament is part of J&K Tourism’s initiative to promote golf tourism in the region which also has venues like the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Pahalgam Golf Course in the Lidder Valley and the Gulmarg Golf Club.
Royal Springs is ranked among the most beautiful in Asia and takes full advantage of its location near the Zabarwan Mountains that descend onto the shores of Dal Lake. Par for the 6,445-metre course is at 72, offering a challenge to all levels of players.
Also read: Maharaja Club to be DP World PGTI’s official travel partner
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