Ahmedabad, 17-01-2026
Rajesh Kumar emerges leader in round one of Pre-Qualifying I
The PGTI Qualifying School 2026 began at the Kensville Golf & Country Club in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Rajesh Kumar shot a three-under 69 to emerge leader after round one of Pre-Qualifying I.
Rajesh Kumar, who hails from Panchkula, garnered six birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey to take the top honours on day one.
Five players were tied in second place at one-under 71. This bunch of five players included Md Nawab, Rishi Raj Singh Rathore, amateurs Aryav Shah and Shubham Kumar and Uganda’s Marvin Kibirige.
There was a hole-in-one by Santosha K P on the eighth during his round of 79.
The Qualifying School, which marks the beginning of each PGTI season, is one of the most important events on the PGTI calendar as it is the only route for players to qualify to play on the PGTI in a particular season. The tournament determines the criteria for players for the whole season.
This year’s Qualifying School event will witness participation by over 450 golfers.
Besides Indian golfers, this year’s Qualifying School will also feature as many as 39 golfers from foreign countries.
The First Stage of the Qualifying School will comprise of three 36-hole events – Pre-Qualifying I, Pre-Qualifying II and Pre-Qualifying III. While Pre-Qualifying I will be staged on January 17 – 18, Pre-Qualifying II will be held on January 20 – 21 and Pre-Qualifying III takes place on January 23 – 24.
A total field of 77 players from the First Stage (Pre-Qualifying) will go through to the Final Stage.
The qualifiers from the First Stage will join the exempt players in the Final Stage which is scheduled to be held from January 27 – 30.
At the end of the Final Stage, the top qualifiers with a specific cut-off will earn their full cards for the 2026 PGTI season. The Final Stage offers a total prize purse of INR 10 lakh.
PGTI has been on the path of sustained growth thanks to the support of its Tour Partners Amul, IndusInd Bank, Victorious Choice, Campa, Amrutanjan Electro Plus, Golf Plus Monthly and Golf Design India.
About Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI):
The Professional Golf Tour of India serves as the official governing and sanctioning body for men's professional golf in India and is a recognized member of the 'International Golf Federation' and the 'International Federation of PGA Tours'. PGTI also enjoys a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour (European Tour). PGTI events offer 'Official World Golf Ranking' (OWGR) points. Global logistics leader DP World is the Title Partner and Official Umbrella Partner of the PGTI. The PGTI is led by its President, Padma Bhushan Shri. Kapil Dev, an iconic sporting legend who continues to inspire athletes and audiences nationwide.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
