Jammu and Kashmir has once again emerged as a major sporting and tourism destination as the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, organised the prestigious JK Open 2026 at the scenic Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.
The tournament has attracted nearly 130 professional golfers from different parts of the country, including around 20 international players, making it one of the biggest golfing events hosted in the Union Territory. A majority of the participants are visiting Kashmir for the first time and expressed admiration for the Valley’s unmatched natural beauty, world-class golfing facilities and warm hospitality.
Set against the majestic Zabarwan mountain range and overlooking the serene Dal Lake, the Royal Springs Golf Course has left players spellbound with its immaculate fairways, challenging layout and picturesque surroundings.
A professional golfer from Malaysia described the experience as unforgettable, saying the quality of the turf was among the best he had played on.
“The turf is excellent and the ambience is simply awesome. Playing golf in such spectacular surroundings is a unique experience. Kashmir has everything needed to become an international golfing destination,” he said.
Sabtak Talwar, a professional golfer from New Delhi, praised the infrastructure and arrangements made for the championship.
“The course is maintained to international standards and the overall infrastructure is impressive. Everything, from logistics to hospitality, has been managed professionally. It has been a wonderful experience. I will definitely return to Kashmir with my family,” Talwar said.
Among the youngest participants, golfer Kartik said playing with the towering Zabarwan mountains in the backdrop made the tournament truly special.
“Competing with the Zabarwan range surrounding the course gives a completely different feeling. It is difficult to describe the beauty in words. This is certainly one of the most memorable venues I have played at,” he said.
Many golfers said Kashmir had exceeded their expectations and that they would strongly recommend the destination to fellow golfers as well as tourists.
“We came here for golf, but we are leaving with memories of a beautiful place. Once we return home, we will definitely encourage our friends and family members to visit Kashmir—not only to play golf but also to experience its unmatched beauty, culture and hospitality,” several participants said.
Officials associated with the event said the championship is expected to significantly boost sports tourism in Jammu and Kashmir by showcasing the Valley before leading professional golfers from across India and overseas.
The organisers appreciated the active support extended by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department in successfully hosting the tournament.
They said the department’s cooperation, efficient arrangements and hospitality ensured the smooth conduct of the championship and reflected the government’s commitment to promoting Kashmir as a global destination for golf and adventure tourism.
They expressed confidence that the success of the JK Open 2026 would encourage more national and international sporting events in the Valley, strengthening Kashmir’s image as a safe, vibrant and world-class venue for sporting excellence while giving a further fillip to the region’s tourism industry.
