Indian amateurs draw inspiration from McIlroy and Fleetwood ahead of Asia-Pacific Championship

Fresh from watching global golf icons Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood light up the DP World India Championship in Delhi, India’s top amateurs are channeling that inspiration into their own campaign at the 16th Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship this week at the Majlis Course, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai.

Reigning All India Amateur champion Anshul Mishra and teammate Ranveer Mitroo spent last week following McIlroy and Fleetwood up close — an experience Mishra described as “an education.” He said, “Watching them play in person was amazing. Their composure and precision really opened my eyes.”

For Mitroo, who has played the Majlis Course several times, the AAC marks a dream realized. “It’s such a special event for amateurs. I’ve wanted to qualify for this since last year. I know the course well, and if I execute my plan, I’ll be hard to beat.”

Rakshit Dahiya, playing his second AAC, said he has worked on his mental strength and long-iron play after learning from peers who competed in Dubai. He praised Raghav Gulati, a UAE-based teammate, for guiding the Indian contingent with local insights.

Harman Sachdeva, who chose the AAC over the Asian Youth Games, said, “Playing here was a goal I set last year. It’s where I wanted to be.”

With five promising Indians in the field, and the winner earning spots at the Masters and The Open, the week promises both high stakes and immense opportunity for India’s next generation of golfers.

Photo – AAC/ Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament Fred S. Ridley joins Ranveer Mitroo of India, Anshul Mishra of India, Raghav Gulati of India, Rakshit Dahiya of India and Harman Sachdeva of India at the Welcome Reception at the Royal Majlis on the eve of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship being played at the Emirates Golf Club Majlis Course in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday 22 October 2025.

Story by – V Krishnaswamy in Dubai