The Mighty October Golf Festival – India’s Finest Chapter
The Indian monsoon this year was abundant, leaving golf courses in Northern India soaked and challenging to maintain. Yet, the spirit of golf prevailed. Despite the excessive wetness and damage to the greens at the DLF Golf and Country Club (DLFGCC), the venue proudly hosted the 17th edition of the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the club’s course staff, the tournament went ahead successfully, with preferred lies allowed during the first two days.
India’s young stars — Hitashee Bakshi, Pranavi Urs, Avani Prashanth, and Vani Kapoor — displayed determination and skill, all finishing impressively within the top ten.
A highlight of the week was the Junior Camp of Excellence, which received glowing appreciation from both participants and parents. Around 40 young girls took part in the three-day camp, including 25 from Salwan Public School. They were introduced to the finer aspects of golf and inspired by an enlightening session with Ms. Claudia Camargo, a senior Olympian Rules Official and former Chairperson of the International Golf Federation’s Women’s Committee. Her talk on “Olympic Aspirations” was a first-of-its-kind moment in Indian women’s golf.
Adding to this incredible October lineup, the Delhi Golf Club, in the heart of New Delhi, launched the prestigious DP World India Championship with a staggering prize purse of USD 4 million. Golfing legends from the European Tour — including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, and Viktor Hovland — showcased world-class play on Delhi’s heritage fairways.
Japan’s Keita Nakajima led for most of the tournament but narrowly missed victory, finishing second after a tense final round. The 2025 Augusta Masters Champion, Rory McIlroy, found the narrow fairways and dense foliage of the Delhi Golf Club especially challenging, losing valuable strokes along the way.
For the first time in India, gate money was introduced, and golf enthusiasts from across the country flocked to witness this historic championship. In the end, English golfer Tommy Fleetwood emerged as the deserving winner of the inaugural DP World India Championship. A heartwarming sight followed as his young son, Frankie, ran into his arms to celebrate. When asked if he too would like to win in India one day, little Frankie’s quick and cheerful “YES!” melted hearts.
The course’s tight layout demanded precision — many players chose irons over drivers, much like the 2008 EMAAR Masters once held at the same venue. Even seasoned stars like Ernie Els struggled to make the cut. Preferred lies were again allowed due to heavy dew, adding to the unique challenges posed by this heritage course.
As the sun set over the Delhi Golf Club, and the peacocks called across the greens, the curtain fell on the first-ever DP World India Championship — a momentous occasion in Indian golf history. The event left the golfing fraternity inspired and eagerly awaiting the 2026 edition, promising another grand celebration of skill, tradition, and sporting excellence.
Champika N. Sayal
November 1, 2025
