The Hero Indian Open (Men’s) is India’s national golf championship, first played in 1964, and today it stands as one of the most prestigious golf events in Asia. It is part of the DP World Tour and Asian Tour, attracting top international golfers every year.
As of 2026, the tournament continues to grow, featuring a record prize purse of $2.55 million, and is scheduled to take place from March 26 to 29 at the DLF Golf & Country Club in Gurugram.
Overview of Hero Indian Open (Men’s)
The Hero Indian Open golf tournament has evolved from a domestic competition into a global sporting event.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1964 |
| Organizer | Indian Golf Union |
| Format | Stroke Play |
| Tours | DP World Tour, Asian Tour |
| Current Venue | DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram |
| Prize Money (2026) | $2.55 million |
| Latest Winner | Eugenio Chacarra (2025) |
It is the oldest and most prestigious golf tournament in India, often referred to as the country’s flagship golf event.
History of Hero Indian Open
To truly appreciate the prestige of the tournament today, one must look back at its foundational years and the legends who shaped its trajectory.
1. 1964 – The Beginning of Indian Golf’s Biggest Event
The tournament began in 1964, with Australian legend Peter Thomson winning the inaugural edition.
This was a crucial moment because it introduced India to international-level golf competition.
Interestingly, Thomson also helped promote the tournament globally, bringing credibility in its early years.
2. 1970 – Entry into the Asia Golf Circuit
In 1970, the tournament joined the Asia Golf Circuit, which significantly boosted its reputation.
As a result:
- More international players participated
- The competition level increased
- Media attention improved
This was the first major step toward global recognition.
3. 1998 – Transition to Asian Tour
The Indian Open became part of the Asian Tour in 1998, marking another milestone.
This phase saw:
- Increased prize money
- Rise of Indian golfers on the international stage
- Better infrastructure and organization
In simple terms, Indian golf started leveling up.
4. 2015 Onwards – Entry into DP World Tour
Since 2015, the Hero Indian Open has been co-sanctioned by the European Tour (now DP World Tour).
Why this matters:
- Global television coverage
- Stronger international field
- Higher world ranking points
This is when the tournament truly became a world-class event.
Hero Indian Open 2026: Key Details
The 2026 edition reflects how far the tournament has come.
- Dates: March 26–29, 2026
- Venue: DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram
- Prize Purse: $2.55 million (record level)
Tournament Format:
- 4 rounds of stroke play
- Practice rounds and Pro-Am events before the main rounds
- The final day includes the trophy presentation ceremony
The DLF course is considered one of the toughest in Asia, so don’t expect too many low scores.
Recent Winners of Hero Indian Open
Here’s a look at recent champions:
| Year | Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Eugenio Chacarra | Spain |
| 2024 | Keita Nakajima | Japan |
| 2023 | Marcel Siem | Germany |
| 2019 | Stephen Gallacher | Scotland |
| 2018 | Matt Wallace | England |
| 2017 | S.S.P. Chawrasia | India |
| 2016 | S.S.P. Chawrasia | India |
| 2015 | Anirban Lahiri | India |
While international players dominate recent editions, Indian golfers have had strong phases, especially between 2015 and 2017.
Indian Winners in Hero Indian Open
Indian golfers have played a major role in the tournament’s legacy.
Key Indian Champions:
- Anirban Lahiri (2015)
- S.S.P. Chawrasia (2016, 2017)
- Jyoti Randhawa (multiple wins)
- Arjun Atwal (1999)
S.S.P. Chawrasia is among the most successful modern Indian players with back-to-back titles.
These wins also helped Indian golf gain international attention.
Tournament Records & Stats
- Lowest aggregate score: 268 (David Gleeson, 2011)
- Best score to par: −20
- Multiple winners: Peter Thomson, Jyoti Randhawa
The tournament has seen both dominant performances and consistent champions over the decades.
Venue Evolution of Hero Indian Open
Initially, the tournament rotated between a few venues.
Major venues:
| Venue | Location |
|---|---|
| Delhi Golf Club | Delhi |
| Royal Calcutta Golf Club | Kolkata |
| DLF Golf & Country Club | Gurugram |
The DLF Golf & Country Club is now the primary venue and is known for:
- Narrow fairways
- Challenging greens
- Tough scoring conditions
Basically, it’s a course where even top golfers struggle.
Why Hero Indian Open Matters
Beyond the leaderboards and scorecards, this championship serves as a vital pillar for the sport’s ecosystem both locally and on the global stage.
1. Platform for Indian Golfers
The tournament provides Indian players with exposure to international competition.
For example:
- Lahiri’s win helped him gain global recognition
- Chawrasia’s wins boosted Indian golf visibility
2. Global Golf Calendar Importance
Being part of the DP World Tour means:
- International broadcast coverage
- High prize money
- World ranking points
This attracts elite global talent every year.
3. Growth of Golf in India
The Hero Indian Open has played a huge role in:
- Developing golf infrastructure
- Inspiring young players
- Increasing fan interest
Without it, Indian golf would not be where it is today.
Key Highlights from Recent Editions
The last few years have produced some of the most dramatic finishes in the tournament’s history, cementing its reputation as a true test of nerves.
2025 – Chacarra’s Historic Win
- First Spanish winner in tournament history
- Won with a steady performance on a tough course
- Showed how unpredictable the tournament can be
2024 – Nakajima’s Dominance
- One of the lowest winning scores in recent years
- Demonstrated how skill and consistency win on tough courses
Challenges Faced by the Tournament
Even a major event like this has faced challenges:
- COVID-19 disruptions (2020–2022)
- Fluctuating participation from top global players
- Difficult playing conditions affecting scoring
Despite this, the tournament has bounced back stronger.
Key Insight: What Makes Hero Indian Open Unique
Unlike many golf tournaments, the Hero Indian Open is known for:
- Tough course design
- Lower scoring averages
- Unpredictable winners
Even top-ranked players often struggle here.
So if someone shoots under par consistently, they’re doing something seriously right.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: The 2026 Hero Indian Open Starts on 26th March 2026
The Hero Indian Open (Men’s) has grown from a modest 1964 event into a globally recognized golf tournament. With a record prize purse, world-class players, and a challenging course, it continues to define golf in India.
As the tournament evolves, it not only showcases global talent but also shapes the future of Indian golf. And honestly, if you can win here, you’ve earned it the hard way.
FAQs
As of today, March 20, 2026, no one has won the tournament “today” because the event is scheduled to begin next week on March 26. The reigning champion from the 2025 edition is Eugenio Chacarra of Spain.
The most recent winner (2025) is Eugenio Chacarra. Other notable past winners include Keita Nakajima (2024), Marcel Siem (2023), and Indian legends like S.S.P. Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri.
Tommy Fleetwood won $680,000 (approximately €580,000) for his victory at the DP World India Championship in October 2025. Note that this was a different event from the Hero Indian Open, though both are prestigious tournaments held in India.
No major Hero-sponsored international men’s championship was won today. However, in recent local action, Gaganjeet Bhullar won the IGPL season opener in Chandigarh earlier this week (March 16, 2026), and amateur Lavanya Gupta recently won the fifth leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour.
Tiger Woods remains the richest man in golf in 2026, with an estimated net worth of approximately $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, fueled by his career earnings, “Sun Day Red” apparel line, and extensive endorsement deals.
