How Did Malaysia’s Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis Lead the First Round at Pre-Qualifying III?
Synopsis
In an exhilarating start to the PGTI Qualifying School 2026, Malaysia’s Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis leads after carding a four-under 68 at the Kensville Golf & Country Club. This remarkable achievement marks his first professional outing in India, highlighting the rising talent and competitive spirit of the tournament.
Key Takeaways
Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis leads the first round with a score of four-under 68 .
He is competing at the PGTI Qualifying School 2026 in Ahmedabad.
A total of 450 golfers are part of this year’s Qualifying School.
The Final Stage will award full cards for the 2026 PGTI season .
The total prize purse for the Final Stage is INR 10 lakh .
Ahmedabad, Jan 23 (NationPress) Malaysia’s Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis recorded an impressive four-under 68 to secure the lead after the first round at Pre-Qualifying III of the PGTI Qualifying School 2026, taking place at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad.
Nafis, who is a participant on the Malaysian tour, started strong with a birdie on the 11th hole, followed by an eagle on the 14th. He added two more birdies on the fourth and sixth holes before encountering his sole bogey of the day on the eighth.
At just 25 years old, this marks Nafis’s inaugural visit to India. He expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled to be in India. I recently transitioned to a professional career and discovered the PGTI through online resources. I believe the PGTI provides an excellent platform for my professional journey. My putting game was solid today, successfully converting several from four to ten feet. I aim to maintain this momentum into the second round and the Final Qualifying Stage.”
India’s Anirudh Kamireddypalli is in second place with a score of 69, while American Jhared Hack and India’s Pranav Kaul are tied for third at 70.
The Qualifying School is a significant annual event for the PGTI season, serving as the only pathway for players to earn their spots in the league for the season. It establishes the eligibility criteria for participants throughout the year.
This year’s Qualifying School kicked off with over 450 golfers, including 39 international players from various countries.
The First Stage comprises three 36-hole events: Pre-Qualifying I, II, and III. Pre-Qualifying I occurred on January 17-18, while Pre-Qualifying II is scheduled for January 20-21, and Pre-Qualifying III is on January 23-24.
A total of 77 players from the First Stage will advance to the Final Stage, joining exempt players. The Final Stage is set for January 27-30.
At the conclusion of the Final Stage, the top players meeting a specific cut-off will secure their full cards for the 2026 PGTI season, with a total prize purse of INR 10 lakh.
Point of View
The PGTI Qualifying School stands as a pivotal moment for emerging talents and seasoned players alike. The blend of local and international participants not only enhances the competition but also showcases India's growing stature in the global golfing arena. The excitement surrounding players like Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis reflects the potential for new stories and rivalries in the sport.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the first round of the PGTI Qualifying School 2026?
Malaysia’s Muhammad Nafis Najmie Bin Darnalis is leading with a score of four-under 68.
Where is the PGTI Qualifying School 2026 being held?
The tournament is taking place at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad, India.
How many players from abroad are participating in this year’s Qualifying School?
There are 39 golfers from foreign countries participating in this year's event.
What is the prize purse for the Final Stage?
The Final Stage offers a total prize purse of INR 10 lakh.
What is the format of the First Stage of the Qualifying School?
The First Stage comprises three 36-hole events: Pre-Qualifying I, II, and III.
