Hero Indian Open: Chacarra & Bhatia vs. the 'Monster Course'!

It's on again! The DP World Tour sets up shop in India this week, and we're fired up for the Hero Indian Open. Starting Thursday, March 26, 2026, the infamous DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram transforms into the setting for a true golf thriller. With defending champion Eugenio Chacarra, rising PGA Tour star Akshay Bhatia, and the seasoned Francesco Molinari teeing off, we can expect a field that promises pure excitement.

Our defending champion Eugenio Chacarra is back again after his 2025 victory and aims to clinch two titles this year. After facing challenges like burnout and back problems last year, the 26-year-old is now focusing on health and family. He even arrived early to prepare optimally for the course. And this course, folks, is no walk in the park! The DLF Golf & Country Club, redesigned by golf icon Gary Player, with its formidable 7,416 yards (6,781 meters), is rightly known as the 'toughest course on Tour.' Geotextile bunkers, extreme elevation changes, and tricky uphill approach shots are the norm here. Since 2017, only one player has won here with 17-under, with the average hovering around 3-under par per round. It's going to be a real test!

When the PGA Tour Comes to India

Speaking of stars: All eyes will also be on Akshay Bhatia. The 24-year-old PGA Tour star, with three wins to his name, is ranked 19th in the world and makes his debut in India here – with family roots that make his participation even more emotional. He was originally slated to play in 2020, but COVID-19 intervened. Now he's finally teeing off, and even his first impressions of the DLF have left him amazed. He's playing rounds 1 and 2 with Thriston Lawrence and Angel Ayora.

But veteran Francesco Molinari, the 2018 Open Championship winner, at 43 years young, is eager to finally clinch another victory. He hasn't found his way onto the winner's board in a long time, but those who know him know: he's still got that competitive fire. The Indian golf contingent, including Shubhankar Sharma (29), Yuvraj, and Rayhan, will naturally pull out all the stops to keep the trophy at home. With a hefty prize fund of $2.55 million USD, of which the winner takes home $433,500 USD, there's a significant financial stake. And as if the course wasn't challenging enough, the greens will dry out with rising temperatures and wind – which can quickly transform the course from 'beauty to beast.' Hole 17, in particular, will be crunch time. Rocco Repetto unfortunately had to withdraw due to visa issues – a pity for the Spaniard.

Who will Claim the Title?

With 138 players facing this ultimate test, the Hero Indian Open is a must-watch for every golf fan. Get ready for an epic...