Five young Indian golfers — Vishesh Sharma, Manoj S., Anshul Kabthiyal, Kartik Singh, and Shubham Jaglan — are set to make their DP World India Championship debuts when the US$ 4 million PGTI flagship event tees off on 15 October 2026 at the historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC). All five, aged between 16 and 22, earned their spots by finishing inside the top 24 of the Race to India Championship standings after the season's penultimate event, the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship, held last week at Greater Noida.

How the youngsters qualified

The quintet joins a star-studded field that includes PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Khalin Joshi, Veer Ahlawat, and Rashid Khan. Vishesh, Manoj, and Anshul are currently ranked 16th, 17th, and 18th respectively on the Order of Merit, while Kartik and Shubham stand 20th and 21st. Both Vishesh and Shubham claimed their maiden professional titles on the PGTI this season, underlining the quality within this emerging generation.

Vishesh Sharma: The Hyderabad pathfinder

Vishesh Sharma, 19, is the standout name among the debutants. Competing in just his second season on the PGTI, the Hyderabad-based golfer broke through with a win at his home course last month and added two other top-10 finishes during the campaign. A former India No. 1 in the 13–15 age group, Vishesh said: 'It's an honour to be here, playing alongside the biggest golfing stars in the world and my fellow Indian players. We're all proud to represent India, and this is a huge opportunity to show what we can do and what Indian golf has to offer. Performing well here would mean a lot to me.'

Manoj S., Anshul Kabthiyal, and Kartik Singh

Bengaluru-based Manoj S., 18, secured his place only after a late-season surge — climbing from 26th to 17th on the Order of Merit with a tied-fifth and a tied-second finish in the final two events, including a joint runner-up at the Kapil Dev Invitational. A former India No. 2 junior in 2023, Manoj said he plans to keep the driver in the bag this week, calling DGC 'a tough course'. Anshul Kabthiyal, 21, arrives with four top-10s this season, including a runner-up, and brings a formidable amateur pedigree of 10 junior titles and six amateur titles. At just 16, Kartik Singh is the youngest player in the entire field; he was the top-ranked junior and amateur golfer in India before turning professional. With two top-10s already in his debut PGTI season, Kartik said the chance to compete alongside his idols Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood 'feels really special'.

Shubham Jaglan: From the gallery to the fairway

Shubham Jaglan, 22, brings a transatlantic dimension, having played college golf in the United States before turning professional last year. A former India No. 1 junior, Shubham won his maiden PGTI title in Kolkata two months ago and also recorded a third-place finish during the season. Playing at DGC — where he grew up watching the Indian Open and idolising Anirban Lahiri — carries personal weight. 'I would watch the Indian Open here as a kid and follow the likes of Anirban Lahiri on the course. Now, I'm competing alongside him at the same event. So, it's very special to be on the other side of the rope now,' he said.

What the PGTI says

Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI, described the influx of teenage talent as evidence of Indian golf's growing depth. 'Competing alongside some of the world's best players on home soil is an invaluable opportunity for these youngsters to test themselves at the highest level, gain confidence and accelerate their development,' Johl said. He added that the PGTI aims to create maximum playing opportunities and expressed hope that the experience would 'inspire them to raise their ambitions and demonstrate that Indian golf has a bright future on the global stage.' The India Championship 2026 begins on Thursday, 15 October, with all eyes on whether this Gen Next can hold their own against world-class competition at one of India's most storied courses.