Californian Golfer Manav Shah Heads To US Open After Breakthrough Qualifier Finish

DALLAS, TX- Manav Shah has become the first player from the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) to qualify for a Major championship since the league was launched last year.

The 33-year-old will make his Major debut at the 2026 US Open after securing qualification through the 36-hole final qualifying tournament at the Dallas Athletic Club.

Shah shot rounds of 66 and 71 to finish fourth at 5-under and earn one of the qualifying spots for the championship, which will be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

“To play a Major is just amazing, and I have had a great run at the AM Green IGPL, and now I get to the US Open,” Shah said.

Shah has enjoyed a strong season on the IGPL with three Top-7 finishes and one T-11 finish in four starts. He has also competed on the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour.

Shah grew up in Bakersfield, CA and played collegiate golf for the UCLA Bruins.

Shah has won eight professional titles globally. His biggest victory came at the 2022 Quito Open on the PGA Tour Latino América, making him only the second Indian-American golfer to win a PGA Tour-sanctioned event after Arjun Atwal, who won the Wyndham Championship in 2010.

The golfer currently plays on the IGPL tour in India and earned full playing status on the Asian Tour through Q-School.

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell also qualified for the Major for the first time since 2020 after advancing through the Dallas event. (IANS)