Arin Ahuja displayed solid temperament in topping the Final Stage of the 2026 Qualifying School in Ahmedabad last month and will turn professional at the new season’s first event in Assam next week. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
Q School topper Arin Ahuja set to turn pro at season-opener
By Rahul Banerji
Noida amateur Arin Ahuja topped the 2026 DP World PGTI Qualifying School at Ahmedabad’s Kensville GCC and will turn professional at the first event of the Tour’s 2026-27 season, the IndianOil Servo Masters in Digboi next week.
The 22-year-old led a parade of 48 who earned playing rights on the DPW PGTI for the 2026-27 season after a reasonably successful amateur career, and is looking forward to life as a full-time professional.
Arin cut his golf teeth at Mumbai’s USO Club as a seven-year-old when his father, then a serving Indian Army officer was posted.
Another golf backwater, Nagpur, was next where he divided his time between a local driving range and an Army course some 40 minutes away and it was only after the family moved to Noida that Arin got his teeth into a regular course.
With former Asian Games medallist Rahul Bajaj now supervising his game, Arin is out to build on his Q School success where he carded 70, 73, 70 and 72 to edge out the vastly-experienced Md Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh by a stroke.
Excerpts from a conversation
On turning professional
Arin Ahuja: I am extremely happy because this is definitely a huge milestone in my golfing career.
Many of the players I will now be competing against are people I have idolised over the years. I have watched their highlights and followed their careers.
I even had the opportunity to play alongside one of them during the final stage of Q-School.
Getting the opportunity to compete against these players regularly is going to be a fantastic experience, and I am really looking forward to it.
On transiting out of the amateur ranks
Arin Ahuja: You need to have a good understanding of your own game, know your strengths, weaknesses and what works for you under different circumstances.
I feel I have reached a stage where I understand my game well and am ready to compete at the professional level.
On his Q School performance
Arin Ahuja: It is extremely important. Q-School is a culmination of several pre-qualifying events, followed by the qualifying events and the final stage.
Overall, around 400 participants compete across the process. To come out on top and secure your card after competing against such a large field is a tremendous achievement. It is a very rewarding experience.
On his amateur career
Arin Ahuja: My first year on the amateur circuit was in 2023. I was fortunate to earn ranking points in my very first event, which gave me confidence and assured me that I had secured my card.
Although the overall season wasn’t particularly great, things started looking up in 2024.
My first podium finish was at Chennai in March 2024. I followed that up with a second-place finish in Pune the following month. I then had a series of consistent finishes, and my game was coming together well.
By the end of the year, I had risen to the top of the amateur rankings. This helped me qualify to represent India in South Africa and Singapore the following year.
I also got the opportunity to compete at the World Amateur Team Championship, which was a significant milestone in my career.
On his international experience
Arin Ahuja: I found the experience in South Africa particularly rewarding. Travelling to a new country, playing on unfamiliar golf courses and adapting to different playing conditions was an eye-opening experience.
I felt I performed quite well, managed to make the cut in all the events I participated in and performed consistently.
On the PGTI’s role
Arin Ahuja: The PGTI has been playing an important role in growing golf in India. With the recent developments and partnerships, the game is getting greater exposure, and prize money is also improving.
Players are now getting better opportunities to build their careers. Earlier, it was quite challenging for golfers to sustain themselves financially while pursuing the sport professionally.
The increasing prize money and support from partners such as DP World are helping players significantly.
On his golf idols
Arin Ahuja: There are quite a few players I have known since my junior days. I have played alongside several of them in amateur events, and I have always looked up to their achievements and performances.
I know a few of the Indian professionals quite well, including players such as Angad Cheema and others. Competing alongside them regularly will be a great learning experience.
I follow Jeev Milkha Singh’s game quite closely. I have watched several of his training sessions and have also been fortunate enough to travel to Dubai with him to watch a tournament.
Really admire the way he responds to different situations on the golf course. Despite everything he has achieved, his approach and composure continue to inspire me.
On his long-term goal
Arin Ahuja: My ultimate goal has always been to play on the PGA Tour. Whenever I have free time, I enjoy watching highlights of players such as Rory McIlroy and following the competition at the highest level.
As far as my first season is concerned, I understand that settling into a professional tour takes time. My immediate focus will be on making cuts, building consistency and gradually improving my performances.
Also read: Arin Ahuja tops DPW PGTI Q School as 48 earn 2027 status
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