PGTI NexGen 2026: Chahal, Raghuvanshi, and Kumar Share Lead on Day One
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Faridabad, Feb 24 (NationPress) Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, Vipin Raghuvanshi, and Santosh Kumar each claimed a share of the lead after the first round of the PGTI NexGen 2026 tournament at the Aravalli Golf Club in Faridabad on Tuesday.
The trio recorded impressive scores of three-under 69 to secure the joint lead during the season's opening event. Close behind, a group of players including Ramesh Kumar, Divesh Rana, Lakshya Nagar, and Pranav Kaul were just one stroke away, tied for fourth place.
Chahal achieved his score with an eagle, four birdies, and three bogeys. In contrast, Raghuvanshi recorded an eagle, two birdies, and one bogey, while Kumar also hit an eagle, along with three birdies and two bogeys, all competing for a share of the INR 25 lakh prize pool.
This 54-hole tournament features a total participant count of 72. Following the second round on Wednesday, the top 35 players and ties will proceed.
The PGTI launched the NexGen Tour last year to ensure that professional golfers in India have equal opportunities and to enhance the competitive nature of Indian golf. The initiative also aims to promote professional golf in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across the nation.
Participants from the 2026 PGTI Qualifying School are eligible to compete in this year's NexGen Tour. The player who tops the NexGen Order of Merit will gain an exemption for the main tour (DP World PGTI) in the following season, 2027.
The inaugural event of the NexGen 2026 season kicked off at the Aravalli Golf Club. The upcoming event in the series is the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, scheduled for March 3–5 at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur. Following that, events will be held at Lucknow Golf Club (March 10–12), Golden Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurugram (March 17–19), and Patna Golf Club (March 24–26).
This season marks an increase in the prize purse for each NexGen event from INR 20 lakh to INR 25 lakh.