SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the fifth edition of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) in Srinagar, saying the government aims to make the tournament an annual fixture to boost golf tourism and strengthen the Union Territory’s position as a premier sporting destination.
The Chief Minister unveiled the tournament trophy and performed the ceremonial tee-off in the presence of golfers, officials and representatives of the Professional Golf Tour of India.
Welcoming more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 overseas participants, Abdullah said the tournament marks Kashmir’s return to India’s golfing calendar after a long gap.
Chief Minister today inaugurated the fifth edition of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar by unveiling the tournament trophy and performing the ceremonial tee-off.
Welcoming leading golfers from India and… pic.twitter.com/MSK0nKQZRP
— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) August 4, 2026
“Our endeavour is that this should be an annual tournament, not a one-off event. We want to gradually increase both the prize money and participation and ensure it remains a regular feature of the golfing calendar for at least the next five years,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s tourism strategy, Abdullah said golf tourism forms an important part of efforts to diversify Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism offerings beyond conventional sightseeing.
He said the government is promoting the region’s golf courses at Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sidhra in Jammu, while also exploring the upgradation of another golf facility in Jammu.
The Chief Minister said the UT has already started witnessing visitors travelling specifically for weekend golf holidays.
“People are now flying into Srinagar for a long weekend of golf, playing over two or three days before returning. That is exactly the kind of tourism we want to encourage,” he said.
Abdullah also announced plans to establish a golf academy to nurture young talent in the Valley.
He said local golfers need greater exposure through regular tournaments and Pro-Am events where amateurs can compete alongside professionals.
“Our boys and girls have talent. What they lack is exposure. More tournaments will create opportunities and help local players compete at the national level,” he said.
Referring to the region’s sporting achievements, Abdullah said recent successes in cricket and mixed martial arts demonstrate the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.
He noted that a local cricketer, Aqib Nabi, has earned selection for India’s Test squad against Sri Lanka, while Jammu and Kashmir’s recent Ranji Trophy performances and IPL selections have generated renewed interest in the sport.
The Chief Minister, however, said the lack of international-standard cricket infrastructure remains a challenge and reiterated the government’s support for proposed international-quality stadiums in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley to enable hosting of IPL and international matches.
Speaking on the economic benefits of golf tourism, Abdullah said golf courses should not be viewed solely through the lens of direct revenue generation.
“Golf tourists also stay in hotels and houseboats, take shikara rides, hire taxis and purchase local handicrafts. The overall economic benefits far outweigh the costs,” he said.
Later, responding to a question on the recent killings in south Kashmir, Abdullah described the deaths as “deeply regrettable” and said the killing of innocent people cannot be justified by any religion.
He expressed hope that the security agencies would take all necessary measures to prevent such attacks in future.
