States » SouthPosted at: Oct 21 2026 9:54AM


Siddikur Rahman grabs early lead with 69 at PGTI Qualifying School

Ahmedabad, Oct 21 (UNI) Bangladesh’s seasoned campaigner Md Siddikur Rahman underlined his credentials with a three-under-par 69 to seize the first-round lead at the DP World PGTI Qualifying School 2026-27 Final Qualifying Stage at Kensville Golf & Country Club here on Tuesday.
The 41-year-old, a seven-time winner on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and a multiple international title winner, produced a composed round featuring five birdies and two bogeys to take the early advantage in the four-round qualifying contest.
Four players are breathing down his neck, just one stroke behind at two-under 70. The group comprises Indians Arindam Sudan, Chetan Baisoya and Sumit Kotwal, along with amateur Arin Ahuja, who made an impressive start in a competitive field of 123 golfers.
For Rahman, the opening-round lead was built largely on the greens. A recent change of putter appears to have paid immediate dividends, helping the Bangladeshi find his rhythm at a crucial stage of his campaign to secure a place on the tour for the coming season.
“It was all about my putting today as that was the best aspect of my game. I recently changed my putter and the new putter did the job for me today,” Rahman said.
He also produced a timely recovery on the ninth, his finishing hole, getting up and down from the rough for a birdie to cap a promising opening round.
Rahman is no stranger to Indian golf. Having started his professional career on the PGTI, he has enjoyed considerable success on the circuit and is now seeking a return after a lengthy gap.
“I started my career on the DP World PGTI and have great memories of playing in India. I’m now excited about returning to the DP World PGTI after a long gap,” he said.
Describing the tour as an increasingly attractive platform for professional golfers, Rahman said it offered lucrative opportunities to both Indian and overseas players.
The stakes are significant for the 123 competitors, with playing privileges for the 2026-27 season on the line. The top 80 players and ties will survive the cut after the second round, while the top 48 finishers at the end of four rounds will earn full playing cards for the upcoming DP World PGTI season.
With just one stroke separating the leader from a four-man chasing pack, the opening round has set up a closely contested battle as the field pursues coveted tour cards.
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