Glory for Indian Women’s Golf
The change in weather is a welcome relief after the great Indian monsoon. As the skies clear and the cooler months approach, Indian women’s golf has even more reason to celebrate. The past few months have brought remarkable performances, valuable international experience and moments of great pride for the country.
The Indian quartet of Pranavi Sharath Urs, Diksha Dagar, Avani Prashanth and Hitshae Bakshi have gained valuable experience competing on the Ladies European Tour. Travelling across different countries, adapting to unfamiliar courses and playing conditions, living out of suitcases, and pushing their bodies and minds to perform at the highest level is a true test in the world’s toughest game. Their journeys reflect the determination and resilience required to compete internationally.
Twenty years on, in 2026, the journey that the Women’s Golf Association of India began in 2005–06 has endured and grown stronger. Throughout these years, compassionate sponsors have continued to place their faith in the organisation and in the development of Women’s Professional Golf in India. Their support has helped sustain opportunities for players and ensured that young women golfers can continue to dream, compete and progress.
October 3, 2026, became a red-letter day for Indian golf. Thousands of miles away in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, Team India’s trio of Diksha Dagar, Pranavi Urs and Aditi Ashok came together to win a shining Silver medal at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya. Their excellent performance was recognised across the country and celebrated as an important achievement for Indian women’s golf.
Another extraordinary accomplishment followed when Pranavi Sharath Urs won an unexpected Gold medal for India. In a nail-biting finish against Chinese player Yin and Singapore’s Shannon Tan, Pranavi showed remarkable class and composure. Accolades poured in from across the country, including recognition from the President and Prime Minister of India. International compliments for the outstanding performances of the young Indian players were equally heartening. Indian women’s golf had undoubtedly come of age. The twenty-year journey had made every moment memorable, and these achievements were perhaps the greatest gift our female golfers could give the nation.
The Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour final qualifying event took place in the third week of September at DLF Golf and Country Club. A record number of young players were in action, with 53 professional players teeing off alongside some of India’s leading amateurs. The weather turned steamy on the opening day, resulting in medical withdrawals, but those who managed the difficult conditions displayed admirable resilience. Eighteen-year-old HWPGT rookie Anvvi Dahhiya stole the show with a superb 67 in the second round, before losing to stalwart Vani Kapoor in a playoff.
DLF Golf and Country Club, the “Home of Indian Women’s Professional Golf”, is now preparing to stage the 18th edition of the Hero Women’s Indian Open from October 19 to 25. WGAI has nurtured this flagship international women’s championship with immense pride. This year, the event will welcome 114 players from 25 countries, providing another important platform for women golfers to compete internationally.
The future is also being built at the grassroots. Since 2018, WGAI has conducted a Junior Girls Camp of Excellence, inviting girls from golf courses across the country to participate free of cost. Over the years, several participants have turned professional, helping to create greater depth in Indian women’s golf. WGAI now has close to 70 active players, with numbers expected to grow in 2027 as more young talent emerges through the Camp of Excellence.
The countdown to the 18th Hero Women’s Indian Open has begun. At the glorious DLF Golf & Country Club, cooler weather and the festive season will provide a fitting setting, with beautiful poinsettias adding to the atmosphere. As India celebrates its champions and nurtures its next generation, the future of Indian women’s golf shines brighter than ever.
Champika N Sayal
4th October 2026
