A Bright Future Beckons Women Golfers in 2026
The year 2026 has begun on an encouraging and historic note for women’s golf in India, with more than ten female golfers stepping into the professional ranks—most of them as rookies. This surge reflects not only the growing depth of talent in the country but also the expanding opportunities now available to women golfers across India and beyond.
The 2025 Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour (HWPGT) concluded on a highly competitive high, producing eight different winners and featuring 43 players on the Order of Merit. Among the highlights was India’s top amateur, Mannat Brar, who made the much-anticipated transition to the professional circuit. She will be one of the strongest contenders in the 2026 season, alongside established stars such as Diksha Dagar, Hitashee Bakshi, Vani Kapoor, Tvesa Malik, and Amandeep Drall. Together, they represent a compelling blend of experience and youthful ambition that promises an exciting season ahead.
The new professionals qualifying through the Hero Women’s Golf Professional Playing Ability Test come from diverse regions of the country, including several small towns—an encouraging sign of the sport’s widening reach. Adding an international dimension to the Tour is Irene Nakalembe from Uganda, who will be seen regularly competing this season. Among the Indian rookies to watch are Vadodara’s Esther Lobo, Eti Chaudhry from Jaipur, and Mayara Sharma from Pune, all set to challenge seasoned campaigners on the Tour.
The opening leg of the 2026 Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour will tee off at the prestigious Bombay Presidency Golf Club (BPGC) in Chembur, Mumbai, featuring a strong field of over 40 players. The Tour will then move to Kalhaar Greens & Blues in Ahmedabad, a city earmarked as a future Commonwealth Games venue—underscoring the growing stature of Indian golf infrastructure.
A significant boost has come in the form of increased prize money on the HWPGT, offering players much-needed financial stability and motivation. Along with the introduction of the Indian Golf Premier League, women’s professional golf in India is experiencing growth at an unprecedented pace.
On the international front, Indian players are preparing for competition in Saudi Arabia in mid-February, following a fiercely contested Ladies European Tour (LET) Qualifying School in Morocco. Fourteen Indian golfers participated in the event, which saw heightened competitiveness and challenging weather conditions that reduced the final stage from 90 to 72 holes. With 150 players competing for just 30 spots, the Q-School proved to be a true test of resilience and skill.
The Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) is expected to announce dates soon for its flagship international championship, with October 2026 being the preferred window. Meanwhile, the DLF Golf and Country Club continues to provide world-class playing and practice facilities, playing a pivotal role in the preparation and performance of HWPGT players.
As Indian women golfers strive for landmark achievements on both national and international stages, heartfelt appreciation is due to Tour sponsors Hero MotoCorp and DLF for their steadfast support.
Warm New Year wishes to all players, referees, media professionals, and tour support staff who make this journey possible.
Champika Nanda Sayal
3 January 2026
