PGA Championship 2026 winner Aaron Rai of England joins the growing list of stars who will be play the DP World India Championship in New Delhi next month. Image courtesy DP World/Getty Images.
By Rahul Banerji
PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai is the latest to join the stellar line-up at next month’s $4 million DP World India Championship to be played at Delhi Golf Club.
The world number 17 sealed his maiden major with a masterclass in composure at Aronimink Golf Club in May, and is now set to make his DP World India Championship debut .
Rai joins a field of global stars, including defending champion Tommy Fleetwood, Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy and 2026 Open champion Ryan Fox.
The Englishman, who is of Indian and Kenyan heritage, will also have fellow Major winners Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson and Patrick Reed – the current Race to Dubai Rankings leader for company.
The DP World India Championship returns for its second edition at the DGC from October 15 to 18.
European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland and PGA Tour winner Min Woo Lee will also be in Delhi, with Shubhankar Sharma, Anirban Lahiri and other Indian stars.
Rai, a four-time DP World Tour winner, who also claimed the 2024 Wyndham Championship on the PGA Tour, said: “I’m excited to travel to Delhi for the DP World India Championship this year.
Close connections
“I’ve heard a lot about the event, and with connections to India throughout my family, there is a lot to look forward to across the week.”
Rai’s wife Gaurika Bishnoi is a noted member of the women’s professional golf tour both and home and in Europe, and hails from Gurgaon.
Said Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, Subcontinent (India), DP World: “India is at the heart of DP World’s global growth story, and our role is ultimately about connecting India more seamlessly with the world.
“The DP World India Championship brings that same spirit of connection to golf, creating a platform where the best of Indian and international sport come together.
“Aaron Rai’s participation makes that connection particularly meaningful. As a US PGA Championship winner with Indian heritage, he represents a powerful link between India and the global golfing community.
“Alongside fellow Major champions McIlroy and Lowry, his presence reflects the world-class calibre of the field and the growing stature of the tournament.
“Bringing players of this level to India gives fans the opportunity to experience truly world-class golf on home soil, while strengthening India’s connection with the global game.”
The DPWIC is the eighth of nine events in the Back 9 of the 2026 Race to Dubai, building towards the season-ending DP World Tour Play-Offs and Tour Championship in November in Dubai.
Also read: Talwar sees DP World India Championship as a big opportunity
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.