New Delhi, May 20: Indian-American golfer Manav Shah has made history by becoming the first player from the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) to qualify for a major tournament since its inception last September. He is set to compete in the US Open in just a few months.
The 33-year-old Shah has shown remarkable form this season, finishing in the top seven in three out of four IGPL matches, with one event placing him tied for 11th. He has also participated in the Asian Development Tour and the Asian Tour over the past few months.
This is an exciting time for Indian-origin players in golf. While Aaron Rai recently claimed his first major title at the PGA Championship, Shah is now preparing for his debut in a major tournament.
At the 36-hole final qualifying tournament held at the Dallas Athletic Club, Shah played rounds of 66 and 71, finishing with a total score of 7-under and securing fourth place. This impressive performance has earned him a spot in the 2026 US Open.
Shah achieved fourth place in the sectional qualifier with scores of 5-under 66 and even-par 71, solidifying his position in this prestigious major championship. This will mark his first appearance in a major event, with the 2026 US Open set to take place at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
Shah’s parents are of Indian descent, and he grew up in Bakersfield, California. He learned to play golf at a local public course before competing at the collegiate level for the UCLA Bruins. He graduated in 2015 with a degree in Political Science.
Throughout his career, Shah has won a total of eight professional titles, with his most significant victory coming in 2022 at the PGA Tour Latinoamérica’s Quito Open. With this win, he became the second Indian-American golfer to win a tournament recognized by the PGA Tour, following Arjun Atwal, who won the Wyndham Championship in 2010.
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