The inaugural DP World India Championship, taking place at the Delhi Golf Club from October 16-19, 2025, has been hailed as a significant moment for Indian golf, showcasing the nation's readiness to host larger international sporting events. With a $4 million purse, the championship marks the DP World Tour's return to the Delhi Golf Club for the first time since 2016 and is the most lucrative golf tournament ever held in India.
Kapil Dev, President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), has lauded the event as a "landmark moment" that reflects India's rising prominence in the global golfing arena. He emphasized that hosting such a high-profile tournament validates India's strength as a golfing power in the region.
The DP World India Championship has attracted a star-studded field, including four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, who is making his debut in India. McIlroy, fresh off his Ryder Cup victory, expressed his excitement about playing in India and his belief in the potential for further growth of golf in the country. Joining McIlroy are fellow Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Shane Lowry, along with other top European players.
More than 20 Indian players are participating, eager to compete against the world's best on home soil. Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma are leading the Indian challenge. Sharma expressed that having sponsors like DP World stage a top event in India makes perfect sense, given their significant business presence in the country. He also noted the growing audience and interest in golf in India and the strong intent for the championship to become an annual event that keeps getting bigger. Lahiri is excited to be back and impressed with the renovations to the course.
The tournament is not only a significant sporting event but also a boost to India's sporting infrastructure and its ability to host world-class competitions. The Delhi Golf Club underwent preparations to ensure championship-ready conditions, posing a challenge even for the most skilled players.
Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament & Operations Officer, stated that DP World is crucial to the development of this exciting new event, and they look forward to building on their shared vision to grow the game in the country. The DP World India Championship underscores India's growing influence as a destination for elite golf and as a strategic market for DP World.
The DP World India Championship is the eighth of nine events in the 'Back 9' phase of the 2025 Race to Dubai. It feeds into the prestigious Race to Dubai, ensuring that the world's eyes are firmly fixed on New Delhi. The winner will take home $680,000, making it one of the richest golf events ever staged in India.
The event is being broadcast live, allowing fans to witness the action. With its combination of top international talent, strong Indian representation, and significant financial backing, the DP World India Championship is poised to leave a lasting impact on Indian golf and further solidify India's position as a host for major sporting events.
