PGTI to Revamp Schedule, Boost Prize Money for Golfers in 2026
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New Delhi: The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) has announced a significant shake-up in its 2026 calendar, aiming to balance golfers' interests and demands. PGTI President Kapil Dev revealed that the tour will reduce the number of tournaments from 36 to 25, while increasing the prize money to ensure players' financial stability. The decision to cut down on tournaments was made after receiving feedback from golfers that the current schedule was too demanding, leading to fatigue and recovery issues. Kapil Dev emphasized the importance of giving golfers sufficient time to rest and recover between events, stating that 25 weeks of golf should be an ideal number. To compensate for the reduced tournament schedule, PGTI plans to raise the minimum prize purse from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore or more. The current events scheduled for February, including the Chhattisgarh Open and DP World Players Championship, offer a prize money of ₹1.5 crore each. Kapil Dev also expressed his commitment to growing Indian golf, particularly in terms of international participation. The tour witnessed global golfing stars competing in India in 2025, and this year, PGTI expects to host top players from Thailand, Italy, and South Africa, among others. The partnership with logistics behemoth DP World will also focus on grassroots development, aiming to take golf to tier 2 and tier 3 cities. Kapil Dev acknowledged that even 100 new courses may not be enough, and significant investment is required to promote the sport. The PGTI's revised schedule and increased prize money are expected to benefit golfers and promote the growth of Indian golf. As the tour continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the sport and its enthusiasts.
