J&K Open PGTI 2026: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Inaugrates Tournament at Srinagar’s Royal Springs, Announces Annual Status and New Golf Academy
SRINAGAR, August 04, 2026 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today officially inaugurated the fifth edition of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) J&K Open 2026 at the scenic Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar. Commencing the high-profile sporting event by unveiling the coveted tournament trophy and executing the ceremonial tee-off, the Chief Minister welcomed top-tier professional golfers from across India and abroad. Reaffirming his administration’s vision to scale up tourism infrastructure and elevate visitor experiences, he highlighted golf alongside adventure, wellness, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) as key drivers for the Union Territory’s niche tourism market.
Addressing the participants during the inauguration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced that the J&K Open PGTI will now be institutionalized as a permanent, annual fixture on India’s professional golfing calendar. Describing the tournament as a vital milestone in placing Kashmir—and the Royal Springs Golf Course in particular—firmly back on the global golf map, he outlined plans to progressively increase the prize purse and entry stakes to secure the event’s stature for at least the next five years. Emphasizing a growing trend of golf enthusiasts traveling to Srinagar specifically for dedicated sporting weekends, the Chief Minister underscored golf tourism as a central pillar of J&K’s broader promotional strategy. Furthermore, to nurture domestic talent, the government plans to establish a specialized Golf Academy in Jammu and Kashmir, providing young boys and girls with world-class training facilities and international exposure to represent India at the highest level.