Saptak Talwar Crowns Himself PGTI Order of Merit Champion; Secures DP World Tour Card
Saptak Talwar crowns himself the 2026 PGTI Order of Merit champion, securing a coveted card for the 2027 DP World Tour season.
In a stellar display of consistency and skill, 27-year-old Saptak Talwar has emerged as the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Order of Merit champion for 2026. The Greater Noida-based golfer, associated with the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, dominated the Race to India Championship, finishing the season with impressive total earnings of Rs 1,02,47,684.
This victory is not just a domestic triumph; by securing the top spot on the merit list, Talwar has earned his card for the prestigious 2027 DP World Tour season, marking a significant leap in his professional career.
A Season of Consistency
Talwar's journey to the top was paved with steady performances throughout the year. One of the highlights of his season was winning the Indorama Ventures Open. He also demonstrated his caliber by finishing tied second at the PGTI Open, an event co-sanctioned by the HotelPlanner Tour and the DP World PGTI.
Beyond the podium finishes, Talwar's reliability was evident as he posted six other top-10 finishes during the 2026 season. Even at the season-ending India Championship held at the Delhi Golf Club, where he finished tied 55th with a total of one-under 287, his lead in the standings was sufficient to secure the championship.
Overcoming Challenges and Growth
Reflecting on his achievement, Saptak attributed his success to a year of immense growth and consistency. He noted that alternating between the PGTI and the HotelPlanner Tour played a pivotal role in his development.
"This is my fourth year on the PGTI, and travelling across the country has taught me a lot—about myself and from other players," Talwar shared. "There are plenty of positives to build on, along with areas I still need to tidy up."
Talwar also highlighted the rising competitiveness of Indian golf, pointing to Khalin Joshi, who finished second on the merit list with earnings of Rs 77,32,225 after winning four titles in 2026. According to Talwar, such high standards within the PGTI push players to sharpen their skills, ensuring they aren't surprised by the level of competition when playing overseas.
Eyes on Europe
As he prepares for the 2027 DP World Tour, Talwar expressed excitement about returning to Europe. Interestingly, he admitted that he thrives in tougher conditions, noting that the challenging weather in Europe keeps him more focused and present compared to calmer environments.
To prepare for the transition, Talwar has been consulting with experienced players like Veer and Shubhankar to understand the nuances and challenges he might encounter on the international stage.
Family Support and the Delhi Struggle
The season finale at the Delhi Golf Club was a bittersweet experience for the Delhi-based golfer. While the victory was sweet, the course proved to be a formidable opponent. Talwar described the setup as "stressful," mentioning that while his game from tee to green was solid, his putter failed to cooperate.
Despite the struggle on the greens, the moment was made special by the presence of his family. His mother, father, and sister cheered him on during the final Sunday. Talwar credited his family as his "sounding board" for both golf and life, expressing deep gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
Rising Star: Emerging Player of the Year
While Talwar took the main honors, the 2026 season also witnessed the rise of a new talent. Sixteen-year-old rookie Kartik Singh from Gurugram was named the DP World PGTI Emerging Player of the Year. With season earnings of Rs 33,00,660—the highest among all rookies—and two top-10 finishes, Singh secured a commendable 20th position on the overall PGTI Order of Merit.