Patna’s seasoned Md Nawab on his way to victory in Pre-Qualifying 1 of the PGTI’s 2026 Q School at Kensville GCC near Ahmedabad on Sunday. Image courtesy PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Patna’s Md Nawab shot a level par 72 in round two to total 1 under 143 and win Pre-Qualifying I of the PGTI 2026 Qualifying School at the Kensville Golf & Country Club near Ahmedabad on Sunday.
From a field of 141, the top 27 players went through to the Final Qualifying Stage as the cut was declared at 6 over 150, the PGTI said.
Nawab (71-72), tied for second overnight two shots off the lead, had three birdies and three bogeys on Sunday.
After two late bogeys, Nawab (45) finished the round with a chip-in birdie on 18.
“My chipping and putting stood out over the last two days. I was also quite accurate with my iron shots,” the seasoned pro said later.
“My chip in from the bunker for a birdie on the 18 today summed up the week for me.
“I would like to credit my elder brother and mentor Md Islam for helping me improve my game.
“I also thank my good friend and fellow professional Om Prakash Chouhan for all his insight and guidance that also contributed to my performance here in Ahmedabad.”
Amateur Aryav Shah (71-73) and Uganda’s Marvin Kibirige (71-73) tied for second on level par 144.
Rajesh leader in round one
On Saturday, Panchkula’s Rajesh Kumar shot a 69 to lead after the opening day of Pre-Qualifying I with six birdies, a bogey and a double.
Nawab, Rishi Raj Singh Rathore, amateurs Aryav Shah and Shubham Kumar and Uganda’s Marvin Kibirige shared second place on 1 under 71.
Qualifying School is one of the most important events on the calendar as it is the only route for players to qualify to play on the PGTI in a particular season.
The tournament determines the final number of players for the new season and has drawn over 450 entries this year including 39 from overseas.
The First Stage has three 36-hole events – the just-concluded pre-qualifying I, pre-qualifying II (Jan. 20, 21) and pre-qualifying III (Jan. 23. 24).
A total of 77 players from Pre-Qualifying will go through, joining exempt players in the Final Stage from January 27 to 30.
At the end of the Rs 10 lakh Final Stage, the top qualifiers making a specific cut-off will earn their full cards for the 2026 PGTI season.
Also read: Sandhu wins record-setting seventh PGTI title of 2025 season
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