Defending champion Shannon Tan, Asian Games gold medallist Pranavi Urs lead field at Women's Indian Open
Defending champion Shannon Tan and Asian Games gold medalist Pranavi Urs clash at the $500,000 Women's Indian Open in Gurugram.
The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown in Gurugram as the US Dollars 500,000 Women's Indian Open (HWIO) kicks off. The tournament, scheduled from October 22-25, 2026, sees a thrilling collision between the defending champion Shannon Tan of Singapore and India's own Asian Games gold medalist, Pranavi Urs.
A Grudge Match from the Asian Games
The rivalry between Shannon Tan and Pranavi Urs has reached a fever pitch following their recent exploits at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. In a historic moment for Indian sports, Pranavi clinched the gold medal, while Shannon settled for the bronze. Now, the roles are reversed as they meet on the greens of the DLF Golf and Country Club.
While Shannon enters as the defending champion, Pranavi carries the hopes of a nation. An Indian golfer has not lifted the HWIO trophy since Aditi Ashok's victory in 2016, making this a golden opportunity for Pranavi to bring the title back home.
An Elite Field of Champions
The 18th edition of the HWIO boasts one of its strongest lineups ever, featuring an array of international stars and past victors. The competition includes four previous HWIO champions who collectively hold six titles:
- Shannon Tan: 2025 Champion
- Liz Young: 2024 Champion
- Camille Chevalier: 2017 Champion
- Pornanong Phatlum: A three-time winner (2008, 2009, and 2012)
Adding to the prestige are three past Ladies European Tour (LET) Order of Merit winners: Shannon Tan (2025), Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland (2024), and Trichat Cheenglab of Thailand (2023). The field is further strengthened by current season winners, including Eleanor Givens (England), Aunchisa Utama (Thailand), Leonie Harm (Germany), and Agathe Laisné (France).
The Home Challenge
India is fielding a formidable squad to challenge the international elite. Led by Pranavi Urs, the Indian contingent includes:
- Diksha Dagar: A two-time LET winner and Asian Games silver medalist.
- Hitaashee Bakshi: Who secured a third-place finish last year.
- Avani Prashanth: Who tied for 5th place in the previous edition.
- Seasoned Pros: Tvesa Malik, Vani Kapoor, and Amandeep Drall.
Shannon Tan: The Confident Defender
At just 22, Shannon Tan is riding a wave of momentum. As the 2025 LET order of merit champion and the reigning HWIO title holder, she possesses an intimate understanding of the Gary Player-designed course. Having finished as the runner-up in 2024 before winning in 2025, her experience at the DLF Golf and Country Club is a significant advantage.
"I have been looking forward to this event pretty much all year, but I will approach it as I would any other event - focus on my processes and routines, and go about things as I would on a normal day," Shannon stated, reflecting a disciplined, champion mindset.
A Nostalgic Return for Pornanong Phatlum
One of the most emotional storylines of the tournament is the return of LPGA star Pornanong Phatlum. Returning to the HWIO for the first time in 14 years, the Thai legend views India as the birthplace of her global success.
Phatlum's maiden win here in 2008 served as the springboard for her qualification for the LPGA and her subsequent career in the United States. For Phatlum, the Women's Indian Open was once an annual "pilgrimage" to the land that helped define her as a world-class athlete, making her homecoming a highlight of the event.