The Leela Palace Bengaluru recently hosted the 4th edition of The Leela Annual Golf Tournament 2026 at the Karnataka Golf Association, bringing together experienced golfers and young players for a day focused on sport, learning, and community.

The 18-hole shotgun tournament continues to grow as a platform that connects different generations of golfers. From corporate leaders and seasoned players to families and emerging talent, the event created a space where the sport could be shared, experienced, and passed on.

Organised in collaboration with the KGA Junior Golf Development Program and the Karnataka Golf Association, the tournament stayed true to its focus on supporting young golfers. This year, junior participants not only competed but also interacted with experienced players, gaining exposure to a professional playing environment and building confidence.

Sharing his thoughts, Madhav Sehgal, Senior Vice President – Operations South and Head of Sales, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, said, “For The Leela, true luxury lies not only in celebration, but in contribution. This tournament allows us to bring the sporting community together while empowering young players to dream bigger, aim higher, and feel supported at every stage of their journey.”

Nishant Agarwal, Vice President & General Manager, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, added,

“The Leela Annual Golf Tournament continues to evolve as a platform that brings together the golfing community while encouraging the next generation of players. Through our continued association with the Karnataka Golf Association and the Junior Golf Development Program, we aim to create opportunities where young golfers feel inspired and supported.”

The tournament featured multiple categories, including dedicated junior divisions, allowing participation from children taking their first steps in the sport to accomplished golfers. In total, 16 awards were presented, recognising 15 winners across categories.

In the Stableford Full Handicap category (0–18), Karan Aggarwal emerged as the winner with 42 points, followed by Devaiah Thennira with 40 points, after a tie-break on the back nine against Kanwaljit Singh. In the 19–24 category, Venu Mahadev secured the top spot with 42 points, while Sunil Bathija finished as runner-up with 40 points.

Special prizes were also awarded, with Sandeep Singh winning Closest to the Pin (15th Hole) and also achieving a Hole-in-One. Sunita Da Costa recorded the Longest Drive at 329 yards on the 5th hole, while Jashan Ganapathy won Straightest Drive with a distance of 7.1 feet on the 2nd hole.

Among the junior categories, Ridhan Deepak and Sunvisha Reddy N led the 8 years and below group. Advath Sunil and Vedika topped the 9–11 years category, while Aida Thimmaiah and Milind M G stood out in the 12–14 years group. In the 15 years and above category, Ananthasurya secured the win, followed by Sudharshan.

The tournament also saw participation from key properties across The Leela portfolio, including The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Chennai, The Leela Palace Udaipur, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary.

With a focus that goes beyond competition, the event continues to highlight the importance of mentorship, exposure, and community building in shaping the future of Indian golf.