Four golfers walked off the 18th green with the best score of the day, but Kashmir walked away with something bigger.
Arindhum Sudan, Amarjeet Singh, Manav Gupta and Sameer Baktoo topped the leaderboard on Sunday as the J&K Open 2026 opened with a Pro-Am at Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.
Their victory came through smart decisions, steady putting and the teamwork that turns a good round into a winning one.
The tournament now moves into its main championship from August 4 to 7 under the Professional Golf Tour of India, backed by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and J&K Tourism.
Sunday’s result, however, placed the spotlight on something larger than golf.
The Pro-Am brought professionals, amateurs and corporate players onto the same course. Many played Royal Springs for the first time, and found a championship venue that matched the standards of India’s leading golf events.
Players praised the condition of the course and the smooth organisation. Tee times ran on schedule, the fairways stayed in excellent condition and the event unfolded with the polish expected of a professional tournament.
Competition remained intense without losing its spirit. Players applauded fine shots, encouraged rivals and played with mutual respect.
That atmosphere became one of the day’s strongest impressions.
Golf officials have spent years trying to place Kashmir on India’s competitive golf map. Sunday’s turnout suggested that effort has gathered momentum.
The event let players, sponsors, and visitors see what the valley can pull off when top-level sport meets solid organization.
The ambition goes well beyond one tournament, though.
“Golf tends to draw visitors who stick around for days, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses along the way,” Baktoo said. “That type of stay also gives broadcasters and sponsors a reason to keep coming back.”
Officials hope the J&K Open becomes a regular stop on the national circuit. Sunday’s winners claimed the first honours. Now India’s top professionals take over, while Royal Springs proved it can host elite golf and Kashmir showed it wants more.
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