Srinagar, Aug 4 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the fifth edition of the J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, asserting that golf tourism is becoming an important pillar of the Union Territory’s tourism strategy and expressing hope that the tournament will become a permanent fixture on India’s golfing calendar.
Srinagar, Aug 4 (JKNS): The fifth edition of the J&K Open, being staged jointly by J&K Tourism and the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), the official sanctioning body of men’s professional golf in India, got underway in spectacular fashion on Tuesday as the Honourable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, *Mr. Omar Abdullah*, officially inaugurated the tournament with a ceremonial tee-off and trophy unveiling at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by professional golfers participating in the event, and members of the media, marking the return of top-tier professional golf to Kashmir.
Following the tournament inauguration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the media and welcomed the country’s leading professional golfers back to the Valley. He highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Jammu & Kashmir as a premier destination for sports tourism and reaffirmed its support for hosting marquee sporting events that showcase the region’s natural beauty and world-class sporting infrastructure.
*Speaking on the occasion, the Honourable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Omar Abdullah,* said, “The return of the J&K Open reflects the growing confidence in Jammu & Kashmir as a safe, vibrant and welcoming destination for national and international sporting events. Golf has the unique ability to bring together tourism, investment and sporting excellence. I’m confident that the J&K Open would further strengthen the region’s reputation as one of India’s finest golfing destinations.”
*Mr. Amandeep Johl, CEO, DP World PGTI,* said, “We extend our sincere gratitude to the Honourable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and J&K Tourism for their unwavering support in bringing the tournament back to Srinagar. The DP World Professional Golf Tour of India is proud to return to the spectacular Royal Springs Golf Course for the J&K Open 2026, a tournament that reflects the growing stature of golf in Jammu & Kashmir.”
The Chief Minister also lauded the efforts of the DP World PGTI, the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Department and all stakeholders for working together to bring the prestigious tournament back to Royal Springs Golf Course.
The J&K Open 2026 features a strong field of leading professionals from across India competing for top honours over four rounds at one of the country’s most scenic golf courses. The event is expected to provide a significant boost to golf tourism while further promoting Jammu & Kashmir’s growing stature on India’s sporting calendar.
The J&K Open field features leading Indian professionals including DP World PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Veer Ahlawat, Om Prakash Chouhan, Manu Gandas, defending champion Shaurya Bhattacharya and Angad Cheema, to name a few.
The tournament will also feature 12 foreign players from eight different countries. The foreign countries being represented at the event include USA, Japan, Czech Republic, Canada, Malaysia, Uganda, Bangladesh and Nepal.
The leading professionals from Jammu & Kashmir playing at the J&K Open include Arindam Sudan, Fayaz Ahmed Langoo, Adnan Mubarik Rah and Pawan Parihar.
The tournament runs from *August 4 to 7, 2026, and forms an important leg of the **2026 DP World PGTI Season*.
*About DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI):*
The DP World 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’. DP World PGTI also enjoys a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour (European Tour). DP World PGTI events offer ‘Official World Golf Ranking’ (OWGR) points. Global logistics leader DP World is the Title Partner and Official Umbrella Partner of the DP World PGTI. The DP World PGTI is led by its President, Padma Bhushan Shri. Kapil Dev, an iconic sporting legend who continues to inspire athletes and audiences nationwide. (JKNS)