The Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship 2026 kicked off with fireworks as Delhi’s Rashid Khan claimed the first-round lead, posting an impressive six-under 66 at Ahmedabad’s Kalhar Blues & Greens Golf Club. This $300,000 extravaganza features a global field vying for supremacy.
Khan, a 35-year-old with 14 career victories (two international), broke a seven-year title drought through sheer brilliance: seven birdies, one bogey. His front-nine fireworks—five birdies—propelled him ahead, with the back nine adding two more against a bogey.
‘Everything aligned today. The course felt great, pins were challenging, but my irons and putter delivered,’ Khan remarked. ‘Focused on creating birdie looks by controlling the ball.’
American Jared Hack, victor in the season’s debut event, carded 67 (five-under: six birdies, one bogey) for second. Tied third at 68 (four-under) are Arjun Prasad, Brijesh Kumar, Saptak Talwar, Manav Bassi, and Kartik Singh.
Foreign stars Clement Sordet, Pierre Pinu (France), and Christoph Blauer (Austria) hit 69s (three-under) to share eighth. Ahmedabad’s Aditya Raj Kumar Chauhan led locals with 70 (15th), tailed by Veer Ahlawat (71, 22nd) and Yuvraj Sandhu (73, 41st).
With Khan setting a blistering pace on this demanding track, the tournament braces for a fierce fightback. The blend of experience, youth, and international flair ensures non-stop excitement ahead.