The DP World PGTI NexGen Tour is set to make its historic debut in Varanasi with the sixth event of the season scheduled at the BLW Greens Golf Course from June 16 to 18. This marks the first-ever DP World PGTI tournament to be held in the city, offering a prize purse of Rs 25 lakh.
Tournament Format and Prize Money
The event will be played over 54 holes across three rounds. A cut will be applied after 36 holes, with the top 36 players and ties advancing to the final round. The total prize purse of Rs 25 lakh underscores the tour's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Field of Contenders
A total of 72 golfers will compete in the tournament. Leading contenders include Sunit Chowrasia, the current leader of the 2026 NexGen Order of Merit, alongside Rajesh Kumar Gautam, Bipin Mukhiya, Abhishek Kumar, Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, and Vinay Kumar Yadav. Notably, 15-year-old Arjunveer Shishir is also among the participants, highlighting the tour's focus on emerging talent.
Local representation comes from Varanasi-based golfers Imam-ul-Haq and Hemant Yadav. The winner of the 2026 NexGen Order of Merit will earn an exemption on the main Professional Golf Tour of India for the 2027 season, providing a significant career boost.
CEO's Remarks
Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, stated that bringing a NexGen event to Varanasi for the first time is a significant milestone. He emphasized that the tournament reflects the tour's dedication to expanding professional golf beyond traditional centers and offering young professionals opportunities to compete and advance their careers.
Impact on Varanasi
The event is expected to showcase the sports infrastructure of BLW Greens Golf Course and further strengthen Varanasi's position on India's sporting map. It aligns with the tour's broader vision of promoting golf across diverse regions.
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