Md Nawab wins PGTI Pre-Qualifying I while 27 qualify for the Final Stage

Patna’s seasoned Md Nawab on his way to victory in Pre-Qualifying 1 of the PGTI’s 2026 Q School at Kensville GCC near Ahmedabad on Sunday. Image courtesy of PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Patna’s Md Nawab shot a level par 72 in the second round for a total of 1-under 143 to win Pre-Qualifying I of the PGTI 2026 Qualifying School at the Kensville Golf & Country Club near Ahmedabad on Sunday.

From a field of 141, the top 27 players advanced to the final qualifying stage, with the cut set at 6 over 150, the PGTI said.

Nawab (71-72), tied for second two shots off the lead, had three birdies and three bogeys on Sunday.

After two late bogeys, Nawab (45) closed the round with a chip-in birdie on 18.

“My chipping and putting stood out the last two days. I was also pretty accurate with my iron shots,” the veteran pro said later.

“My chip-in from the bunker for birdie on the 18th today summed up the week for me.

“I would like to thank my elder brother and mentor Md Islam for helping me improve my game.

“I also thank my good friend and fellow professional Om Prakash Chouhan for all his insight and guidance which also contributed to my achievements here in Ahmedabad.”

Amateur Aryav Shah (71-73) and Ugandan Marvin Kibirige (71-73) tied for second place at the par 144 level.

Rajesh leads in round one

On Saturday, Rajesh Kumar from Panchkula shot a 69 and led after the opening day of Pre-Qualifying I with six birdies, a bogey and a double.

Nawab, Rishi Raj Singh Rathore, amateurs Aryav Shah and Shubham Kumar and Uganda’s Marvin Kibirige shared second place at 1-under 71.

Qualifying School is one of the most important events on the calendar as it is the only way players can qualify to compete in the PGTI in a given season.

The tournament determines the final number of players for the new season and has attracted more than 450 participants this year, including 39 from abroad.

The first phase consists of three 36-hole events: the just concluded Pre-Qualification I, Pre-Qualification II (20, 21 January) and Pre-Qualification III (23, 24 January).

A total of 77 players from pre-qualification will advance, joining exempt players in the final phase from January 27 to 30.

At the end of the final phase of Rs 10 lakh, the top qualifiers who achieve a specific cut-off will earn their full cards for the 2026 PGTI season.

Also read: Sandhu wins record-breaking seventh PGTI title of 2025 season

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