PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27: Siddikur Rahman leads with 69 in Round 1
Synopsis
Bangladesh's Md Siddikur Rahman, a seven-time DP World PGTI winner, tops the leaderboard after Round 1 of the PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27 Final Stage with a three-under 69 at Kensville, Ahmedabad — crediting a brand-new putter for his sharp putting display as he bids to reclaim a full tour card after a long absence.
Key Takeaways
Md Siddikur Rahman (Bangladesh) leads Round 1 of the PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27 Final Stage with a three-under 69 at Kensville Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad on 20 October 2026 .
He posted five birdies and two bogeys , with a putter change cited as the key factor.
Indians Arindam Sudan , Chetan Baisoya , Sumit Kotwal and amateur Arin Ahuja are tied second at 70 .
The top 80 players (+ ties) from a field of 123 will make the cut after round two.
The top 48 players after round four earn full 2026-27 DP World PGTI playing cards.
The tournament runs until 23 October 2026 , shifted from the traditional January–February window.
Bangladesh's Md Siddikur Rahman carded a three-under 69 on 20 October 2026 to claim the first-round lead at the Final Qualifying Stage of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Qualifying School 2026-27, being contested at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad. The veteran campaigner's putting display set him apart in a competitive field of 123 golfers.
How Siddikur's Round Unfolded
The 41-year-old compiled five birdies against two bogeys across his opening round, with a standout up-and-down from the rough for birdie on the ninth — his finishing hole. A recent switch of putter proved decisive, with Siddikur crediting the equipment change for his sharp performance on the greens.
'It was all about my putting today, as that was the best aspect of my game. I recently changed my putter and the new putter did the job for me today. I also made a great up-and-down from the rough for birdie on the ninth, my finishing hole today,' Siddikur said.
The Chasing Pack
Four golfers are tied for second place at 70 — one stroke off the lead. The quartet comprises Indians Arindam Sudan, Chetan Baisoya, and Sumit Kotwal, along with amateur Arin Ahuja. The competitive cluster behind Siddikur underlines the depth in this year's field and the high stakes on offer.
What's at Stake
Of the 123 golfers in the Final Qualifying Stage, the top 80 players (+ ties) will advance past the halfway cut after round two. By the end of round four, the top 48 players will earn full playing cards for the 2026-27 DP World PGTI season — making every stroke from here immensely consequential.
Notably, the 2026 PGTI Final Order of Merit will only be settled after the last event of the 2026 season, with players finishing between 61st and 100th position determined then. This year's qualifying tournament, which traditionally draws around 450 players with roughly 35 to 40 earning full playing rights, is also running on a revised calendar — moved from the usual January–February window to 6–23 October.
Siddikur's India Connect
A seven-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a holder of multiple international titles, Siddikur launched his career on this circuit and retains a deep affinity for competitive golf in India. He indicated that the tour's growing stature and prize money were key motivators for his return after a long gap.
'I started my career on the DP World PGTI and have great memories of playing in India. I'm now excited about returning to the DP World PGTI after a long gap. This is now a very lucrative tour and offers great opportunities for professionals from India as well as from overseas like myself,' he added. With three rounds remaining, all eyes will be on whether Siddikur can convert his early advantage into a full tour card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27 after Round 1?
Bangladesh's Md Siddikur Rahman leads after Round 1 with a three-under 69 at Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad on 20 October 2026. He holds a one-shot lead over four players tied at 70.
Who is Md Siddikur Rahman?
Md Siddikur Rahman is a 41-year-old Bangladeshi professional golfer and a seven-time winner on the DP World PGTI, with multiple international titles to his name. He began his career on the PGTI and is returning to the tour after a long gap.
How many players earn full PGTI cards from this qualifying stage?
The top 48 players at the end of round four of the Final Qualifying Stage earn full playing cards for the 2026-27 DP World PGTI season. The top 80 players (+ ties) must first survive the halfway cut after round two.
When does the PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27 end?
The tournament runs from 6 to 23 October 2026 at Kensville Golf & Country Club, Ahmedabad. This is a scheduling change from the usual January–February window.
Who are the other contenders after Round 1?
Four players are tied for second place at 70 — Indians Arindam Sudan, Chetan Baisoya, and Sumit Kotwal, along with amateur Arin Ahuja. They trail leader Siddikur Rahman by one stroke.
