How Did Kshitij Naveed Kaul Dominate Round 1 of the Players Championship?
Synopsis
Kshitij Naveed Kaul steals the show with a spectacular eight-under 62 at the Players Championship 2026, establishing his dominance at the Qutab Golf Course. Will he maintain his lead in the upcoming rounds? This thrilling start sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
Key Takeaways
Kshitij Naveed Kaul leads with an eight-under 62 .
Honey Baisoya is in second with a 63 .
Kaul has a history of success at the Qutab Golf Course .
Strong performances from players like Jhared Hack and Kushal Singh .
The tournament features a total prize pool of INR 1.5 crore .
New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) - Kshitij Naveed Kaul showcased his exceptional skills in round one of the INR 1.5 crore Players Championship 2026 at the Qutab Golf Course, New Delhi. He delivered an impressive eight-under 62 on the Par-70 layout, which he considers one of his favorite courses. Notably, Kshitij previously set the course record with a remarkable 10-under 60 last year.
In second place, Honey Baisoya shot a 63, while a group of four players, including American Jhared Hack, who won last week’s season opener, and Indian players Kushal Singh, Dhruv Sheoran, and Akshay Sharma, tied for third, just one shot behind.
The 25-year-old Kshitij, who has claimed five PGTI titles, including one last season, excelled with his driving on Tuesday, consistently placing four of his drives near the green. His round featured several precise bunker shots, alongside three birdies on the back nine and five on the front, which included a streak of four consecutive birdies.
Kshitij, representing the Delhi Golf Club, expressed, “My driving and bunker shots were on point today. I nearly found the green with my drives multiple times. My approach shots were also accurate. I love playing on this course; my performance here last year was fantastic too. Achieving chip-putts from close range is challenging, making it crucial to hit solid wedge shots from further out, which I accomplished today.”
Honey Baisoya, who showed promise at the season opener by leading after round three, maintained his form with an error-free seven-under 63 at the Qutab Golf Course, marking four birdies on the back nine and three on the front.
Jhared Hack and Kushal Singh impressed with their wedge work, with Hack landing within five feet on four occasions, while Singh began the day with three consecutive two-foot birdies.
Point of View
Kshitij Naveed Kaul's commanding performance in round one of the Players Championship 2026 is a testament to his skill and consistency. His ability to thrive in challenging conditions at the Qutab Golf Course highlights the high caliber of talent present in Indian golf. As we continue to cover this tournament, we remain committed to providing insightful analysis and updates to our audience.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kshitij Naveed Kaul?
Kshitij Naveed Kaul is a professional golfer from India, known for his achievements in the PGTI circuit, including multiple victories.
Where is the Players Championship 2026 being held?
The Players Championship 2026 is taking place at the Qutab Golf Course in New Delhi.
What was Kshitij's score in round one?
Kshitij Naveed Kaul scored an impressive eight-under 62 in the first round.
Who is currently in second place?
Honey Baisoya is in second place with a score of seven-under 63.
What is the total prize money for the Players Championship 2026?
The total prize money for the Players Championship 2026 is INR 1.5 crore.
