PGTI stars spearhead Indian challenge at India Championship 2026 in New Delhi
Local stars like Saptak Talwar and Khalin Joshi face off against global icons like Rory McIlroy at the DP World India Championship in New Delhi.
The golfing world is turning its attention to the hallowed turf of the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) as the prestigious US$ 4 million DP World India Championship kicks off. While global superstars such as defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and Career Grand Slam winner Rory McIlroy are set to grace the course, the local contingent is ready to make their mark.
Co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the DP World PGTI, this blue-riband event features a fierce battleground where domestic talent meets international elite. The top 24 players from the Race to DP World India Championship—the current DP World PGTI Order of Merit—have secured their spots to compete in this high-stakes tournament, which also serves as the season finale for the 2026 DP World PGTI season.
The Battle for the Order of Merit
The 2026 season has been defined by a relentless pursuit of consistency. The stakes are incredibly high, as the winner of the DP World PGTI Order of Merit will secure full playing rights on the DP World Tour for the 2026-27 season. Currently, the leaderboard is dominated by three standout performers:
- Saptak Talwar: The current leader with earnings of Rs 99,59,684.
- Khalin Joshi: Holding a strong second position with Rs 77,32,225.
- Veer Ahlawat: Following closely in third with Rs 65,97,400.
Saptak Talwar: Aiming for the Crown
Saptak Talwar enters the week as the frontrunner for the Order of Merit title. Having secured a victory at the Indorama Ventures Open and maintained a presence in the top 10 throughout the year, the 27-year-old has proven his mettle on both the HotelPlanner Tour in Europe and the international stage at the Asian Games.
"Being the Order of Merit leader there’s a sense of responsibility and a little bit of pressure. But I think it's also a place of privilege," Talwar remarked. Speaking about the venue, he added, "The DGC is very special to me. I've grown up playing on the B course here. It's important to not get ahead of myself. I certainly feel like I have the game to do well this week."
Khalin Joshi: The Veteran's Momentum
Khalin Joshi is enjoying the most successful period of his career, boasting four wins this season. Remarkably, three of those victories were wire-to-wire triumphs, showcasing a newfound mental fortitude. The 34-year-old, who previously won an Asian Tour title at the DGC in 2018, remains a major threat to the Order of Merit title.
"All of us here from the top 24 of the DP World PGTI will look to put our best foot forward this week," Joshi said. "This season my mindset on the course has been much better. I'm a lot calmer and more confident going into a tournament now, and that’s been the big change in my game."
Veer Ahlawat: The Experienced Challenger
Rounding out the top three is Veer Ahlawat, a former DP World PGTI Order of Merit champion. Ahlawat brings a unique advantage to the field, having gained significant international exposure through his experience on the DP World Tour in 2025. Like Talwar, Ahlawat has also represented India at the Asian Games, making him a seasoned competitor ready to challenge the world's best at the Delhi Golf Club.