DP World India Championship: An opportunity like never before for the home-grown aspirants

In 1997, a month after Ernie Els became the World No. 1 golfer, Shubhankar Sharma was born.

In 2008, an 11-year-old, Shubhankar, attended a golf clinic in the presence of Ernie when the South African came to the Delhi Golf Club to play in the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters. In fact, the former World No. 1 had a word of appreciation for young Shubhankar’s drive.

Seven years later, Shubhankar is back at the DGC this week, leading India’s challenge in what is the strongest field vying for a share of the $4 million prize money. It is only fitting that the richest prize money golf event in the country has attracted some of the current greats of the game.

In all, 26 Indians are part of a 138-player field that features reigning Masters champion Rory Mcllory, two-time Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald – both former World No. 1 – and their triumphant teammates from recent Ryder Cup squad Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Shane Lowry.

Shubhankar leads the pack of home-grown champions that includes seasoned pro Anirban Lahiri, last year’s PGTI Order of Merit winner Veer Ahlawat, and veteran Shiv Kapur.

In addition, it will be interesting to see how an in-form Yuvraj Sandhu, the current PGTI Order of Merit (OOM) leader, fares this week.

Since the DGC no longer holds regular events on the domestic tour, the players will have to rely on memory to maximise the home advantage.

But Shubhankar was quick to assert the importance of home advantage on this course.

“Where the home advantage comes in is where these players have grown up playing here. As kids, we’ve spent so many evenings practising here. It just feels like home. I came here after five years. 2020 was the last time I played, but it felt like yesterday that I was practising here, playing five holes, going for a bite, and then playing four more holes.

“In that way, it feels more comfortable. We’ve seen these holes. We know what can happen. So, the home advantage is even more.”

He went on to point out, “Because the driver is out of play (this week for most golfers due to the tight, bush-lined fairways), it makes for a more level-playing field because then it actually comes to accuracy, short game and putting, which we Indians are good at.”

About the changes he noticed, Shubhankar said, “They’ve changed the greens a little bit, but the overall setup is the same. The ‘rough’ is likely thicker.

“Overall, the buzz is a lot more, and today is only Tuesday. Thursday, you’ll see so many more players, so many more paid patrons or people who will come and watch, or kids who will come and watch, which will be very exciting.”

So how is this week different from what he saw during his previous visits?

“It’s just that there are too many tents and chalets around the golf course. That’s exciting and good because this event has to feel like it’s a big tournament, and it feels like it,” observed Shubhankar.

“Obviously, with the number of players, structures, and the pictures, there are some big players who are playing here; it’s no joke. Rory is here, Tommy is here. They’re all great players, but great people also. Shane is here. It makes it a very big event.”

Anirban, among the invitees of the DP World, is back on the Tour even as he continues to be a LIV Golf regular. He sees the coming of this multi-million dollar event to India, bringing with it some of the superstars of the sport, as something very special for Indian golf.

Referring to Rory’s presence, Anirban said, “It’s a significant moment because you’re going to have a Hall of Famer — he’s a future Hall of Famer for sure. He’s here, he’s embracing this event in our country, and the scene is perfect. We’re playing DGC; it’s a historic golf course. I’m very happy to be here, to be a part of it.

“Like I mentioned, it’s great for Indian golf that we have such big worldwide names, stars, all the kids of the next generation idolise and gravitate towards, and I think it’s very important in creating that next batch of champions.

“I think it’s a great sign. I hope more stars like him continue to come in the future, and whatever I can do to support it, whether it’s by playing and being here or by helping bring people to organise it, I’ll be happy to do my bit.

What’s more, DP World’s Chief of Communication, Daniel van Otterdijk, came up with an assurance that is sure to be music to the ears of Indian golf fans. “We are committed to bringing this event back every year to India. I’m sure, one day, we shall see an Indian with the glittering winner’s trophy.”

The Indians have a lot to play for. A strong finish, a place among the top-10, will ensure a slot in next week’s event in Korea. In addition, this is a great stage to get noticed by stitching four rounds of scintillating golf, that too, in familiar surroundings.

Published on Oct 14, 2025