Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 23: The highly anticipated J&K Open 2024, organized by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), has returned for its fourth edition. The event is being held at the scenic Jammu Tawi Golf Course from October 23 to 27 and will feature top golfing talents from India and around the globe. The tournament, with a prize purse of Rs 50 lakh, includes a Pro-Am event scheduled for October 27.
This year’s edition of the J&K Open is expected to be highly competitive, with some of India’s leading professional golfers participating. Among them are Shaurya Binu, Varun Parikh, Olympian Udayan Mane and Sachin Baisoya. The tournament will also feature 11 international players from six countries, including the Czech Republic, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, highlighting the growing international appeal of the event.
Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, J&K Tourism, described the event as “a celebration of golf, tourism, and camaraderie.” She emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir boasts some of the most picturesque golf courses in India, including the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar, Pahalgam Golf Course in Lidder Valley, and the Gulmarg Golf Club. Mudgal encouraged participants and visitors alike to experience the region’s beauty and hospitality during the tournament, noting that golf tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in the holistic development of the region’s tourism products.
She added, “This is the third consecutive PGTI tournament at Jammu Tawi Golf Course, and we are committed to promoting this new golf course as a premier golfing destination. Additionally, during the event, we will be hosting a Dogra Food Festival to celebrate local cuisine.”
Vivekanand Rai, Director of Tourism, Jammu, remarked on the significance of the J&K Open, stating, “The fourth edition of the tournament adds a new dimension to our tourism offerings by showcasing the region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and hospitality.”
Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director of Tourism, expressed her enthusiasm about welcoming national and international golfers to the tournament. She also shared that the vibrant art, craft, and cultural heritage of Jammu will be showcased alongside the Dogra food festival.
Manav Gupta, Secretary of Jammu Tawi Golf Course, said, “Hosting the PGTI tournament for the third year reflects our commitment to promoting golf in India and providing a world-class experience.”
PGTI CEO Uttam Singh Mundy concluded, “The J&K Open is one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, serving as a key event in promoting golf tourism in the region.”
Vikas Singh, Director Marketing & Tour Development, PGTI, along with leading Indian professionals Shaurya Binu and Varun Parikh, were also present. They both emphasized that this golf course is truly remarkable, not only for its stunning natural beauty but also as one of the premier golfing venues in the country.
The Jammu Tawi Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Col. K D Bagga, offers an 18-hole layout featuring scenic water bodies, set in a serene valley along the Tawi River, making it a perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
