DP World India Championship: Shubhankar, Lahiri lead Indian challenge
Two of India’s leading golf exports, Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri, are back at their old stomping ground — the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) — as they join a world-class field for the US$4 million DP World India Championship, teeing off this Thursday.
Co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), the event marks the penultimate stop on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, and the richest professional golf tournament ever staged on Indian soil.
McIlroy Headlines Star-Studded Field
Five-time Major winner and reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy leads an elite international lineup that includes Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, and captain Luke Donald. From the U.S. side, Open Champion Brian Harman and Ben Griffin, a two-time PGA Tour winner, add further depth to the global roster.
McIlroy, making his first competitive appearance in India, expressed excitement about the new destination:
“I’m thrilled to finally play in India — a country I’ve always wanted to visit. The DP World India Championship is a fantastic addition to the global calendar, and I’m looking forward to experiencing the passion of Indian golf fans.”
The World No. 2 already has two victories this season — at the Masters and the Amgen Irish Open — and will look to tighten his hold on the Race to Dubai standings ahead of the season-ending playoffs.
Shubhankar’s Sentimental Return
For Shubhankar Sharma, the return to DGC is deeply personal.
“It feels like coming home,” said the 28-year-old. “I spent my childhood evenings practicing here — putting competitions, hanging out with friends. The memories came rushing back the moment I teed off.”
He last competed at DGC in 2020 in a charity exhibition, with his last official start dating back to 2016. Now, he’s eager to perform in front of home fans on a course he knows intimately.
“The setup is fair but challenging — the rough is up, the greens have more undulation than before, and recovery shots around the Bermuda are tricky. But that’s what makes DGC special.”
Sharma also highlighted India’s growing potential as a golf market:
“It’s time India hosted events of this scale regularly. For players and sponsors alike, the audience is growing, the excitement is real. We just need more weeks like this — and eventually, an Indian winner.”
Lahiri Relishes the New Challenge
Former Asian Tour and PGA Tour winner Anirban Lahiri is equally optimistic.
“It feels incredible to be back,” he said. “The renovation has elevated the course — it’s still familiar off the tee, but the greens and runoffs now make you think more. I’ve had my struggles here in the past, but lately it’s become more of a friend.”
Lahiri, whose last international win came at DGC in 2015, will look to use that familiarity to his advantage as he faces a field stacked with Ryder Cup and DP World Tour stars.
“To have Rory, Tommy, Viktor, and Shane here in India — it’s a dream week for fans and players alike. The buzz is immense, and it’s great for the next generation to see world-class golf up close.”
India’s Growing Footprint in Global Golf
The DP World India Championship not only strengthens India’s position on the world golfing map but also reinforces DP World’s long-term commitment to growing the sport in key markets. The event complements the company’s grassroots initiatives, including the “Balls for Birdies” campaign and partnerships with Indian sporting entities like the Delhi Capitals.
Ben Cowen, DP World Tour’s Chief Tournament & Operations Officer, noted:
“DP World’s support has been instrumental in establishing this tournament. Together, we aim to build a legacy for golf in India and expand its reach among new fans.”
With global icons teeing it up alongside India’s finest, the DP World India Championship promises to be a landmark week — one where tradition meets transformation and Indian golf steps firmly onto the world stage.
Photo – DPWT
