Karandeep Kochhar Targets DP World Tour Pathway in Delhi

Karandeep Kochhar will use the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club as an opportunity to test himself against a high-level field and pursue his longer-term aim of reaching the DP World Tour. One of 27 Indian players in the 144-golfer field, Kochhar described his place in the event as an incredible honour and said he is looking forward to competing with some of the game’s leading names on home soil.

The championship has brought together Major champions, Ryder Cup players and other prominent international golfers, creating what Kochhar called probably the strongest field seen in India so far. For the Indian golfer, the week carries both immediate competitive importance and the possibility of learning from players who have sustained success at the sport’s highest level.

A rare home opportunity in an elite field

Kochhar said the presence of such a strong international group is significant for Indian golf, particularly as the country continues to produce players with Indian heritage and Indian golfers competing on the global stage. He said support for tournaments in India is valuable for the game and can help encourage the next generation.

He pointed to the potential impact of young fans watching established players in person. In Kochhar’s view, seeing leading golfers compete can motivate children to take up the sport, while more opportunities and exposure can help young players develop towards higher levels.

Kochhar also highlighted the role of AM Green IGPL, saying its tournaments outside the country provide young golfers with exposure and experience. He said the combined progress in opportunities and support has put the game on a positive track, with the aim of maintaining that momentum.

For this week, however, his attention is on the demands of the championship itself. Kochhar said a professional golfer must approach the event like any other tournament, regardless of its stature or the strength of the field. His stated focus is on controlling what he can control, proceeding shot by shot and day by day in search of a productive week.

Learning from established names and chasing a tour goal

Kochhar has already had one brief meeting with Rory McIlroy during championship week, saying he spoke with the Major winner for around five minutes. He hopes he might get the chance to play alongside one of the leading players during the tournament’s four days.

He said there is much to learn from golfers who have remained at the top of the sport over long periods. Kochhar specifically cited McIlroy’s longevity at the highest level and also referred to Adam Scott, noting the sustained standard set by players who have spent so many years among the world’s top 10.

Picking up even one or two lessons from those players would be valuable for his future, Kochhar said. He added that this is why it matters for players to take part in events of this kind, where Indian golfers can share a competitive environment with internationally established names.

Beyond the Delhi event, Kochhar’s pathway is already moving towards DP World Tour Qualifying School. He said he will compete in the second stage in Spain after playing in Hong Kong next week. The qualifying process, he said, has already begun for him.

Kochhar wants to reach the DP World Tour as soon as possible and believes the experience gained over years on the Asian Tour can help take him there. He thanked AM Green, IGPL, Punjab Raptors and Krishna Group for their support, saying the opportunity in Delhi gives him a chance to compete, learn and improve as he works toward that next step.