NEW DELHI: Indian golf’s push into emerging sports hubs gathers momentum this week as the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) brings its NexGen Circuit to Lucknow with the launch of the inaugural DP World PGTI NexGen Vijay Kumar Memorial, a tournament dedicated to the sport’s most iconic figure.The event, scheduled from June 9 to 11 at the Lucknow Golf Club, marks the fifth stop of the 2026 NexGen season and has added significance as a tribute to legendary Lucknow golfer Vijay Kumar, who passed away unexpectedly on April 28 at the age of 57.Held on Vijay Kumar’s home course, the tournament combines memories with occasion, celebrating a player whose impact went far beyond his achievements on the fairways. PGTI said the event aims to “inspire young golfers through the values that define Kumar’s career, excellence, humility and sportsmanship”.The commemorative tournament also signifies PGTI’s broader vision to expand professional golf beyond its traditional strengths and create competitive opportunities for players in India’s growing golf markets.Lucknow and Varanasi have emerged as key locations in this strategy. Through the NexGen Tour, PGTI has sought to create a structured pathway for professionals and elite enthusiasts aspiring to transition into the national circuit. Over the years, the developmental tour has become an important breeding ground for talent, a stepping stone to ranking points, competitive exposure and the main tour.CEO Amandeep Johal told TOI, “Taking the tournament to new territories is essential for the long-term growth of the game. The return of professional golf to Lucknow has already created a lot of excitement among local players and golf enthusiasts, strengthening the city’s reputation as an emerging hub for the sport.The Vijay Kumar Memorial is expected to add more emotional and sporting significance to the calendar. Apart from honoring the icon of golf, it also gives young players an opportunity to compete on a stage associated with one of the most admired ambassadors of Indian golf.With strong fields, growing local engagement and a growing footprint across the country, the NexGen circuit is evolving into more than just a developmental tour. If the PGTI vision continues to converge, cities like Lucknow and Varanasi can play a major role in shaping the country’s next generation of champions.
