Manav Shah's Journey to the U.S. Open: A Dream Realized for Indian Golf

Manav Shah Qualifies for U.S. Open 2026

By Jagdish Yadav

California [US], May 28: Indian-American golfer Manav Shah expressed that qualifying for the U.S. Open 2026 feels like a "dream come true." He has made history as the first player from the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) to earn a spot in a Major championship since the league's launch last year.

The 34-year-old is set to make his debut at the prestigious Shinnecock Hills Golf Club starting June 18, marking a significant milestone in his journey characterized by determination, discipline, and a strong connection to his Indian heritage.

"It’s been quite a journey. I felt a wave of emotions when I confirmed my qualification. It’s truly been incredible," Shah shared after securing his spot in the U.S. Open.

"The support I’ve received has been heartwarming, and this is just the beginning of a dream coming to life," he added.

Shah, who was born to Indian parents and raised in Bakersfield, California, took up golf at the age of six. What began as a bonding activity with his father evolved into a pivotal aspect of his life.

"My dad fell in love with golf after moving from India. We would often play together, and it provided me a way to stay out of trouble during my childhood in a challenging neighborhood," Shah recounted.

"Golf taught me invaluable lessons about life, including honesty, discipline, and hard work. I feel fortunate to have started my journey in golf at such a young age," he reflected.

Having played collegiate golf at UCLA, Shah graduated with a Political Science degree in 2015. Over the past decade, he has traveled the globe as a professional golfer, securing eight titles worldwide, with his most notable achievement being the 2022 Quito Open victory on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica.

This win made him the second Indian-American golfer to triumph in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event, following Arjun Atwal.

"Winning a PGA Tour-sanctioned event carries significant weight. That victory served as a launchpad for my participation in the Korn Ferry Tour the following year, paving the way for many positive developments," Shah explained.

As he gears up for this monumental event, Shah plans to visit Shinnecock Hills ahead of the tournament to acclimate to the challenging course conditions.

"I’m getting back into the right mindset for the event. I’ll be visiting Shinnecock next weekend to play a couple of rounds there," he stated.

"After that, I’ll have a clearer understanding of the course, and I’ll have two weeks to sharpen my game before my first major," he added.

For Shah, the U.S. Open holds a unique significance among golf's four Majors due to its open qualifying format and intense competition.

"The U.S. Open has always been the major I aspired to participate in. It’s the toughest to win, yet it’s accessible for anyone to qualify," he noted.

Shah has also strengthened his ties with Indian golf through the IGPL and the Asian Tour. Earlier this year, he competed in the IGPL Invitational in Chandigarh, finishing tied for third with Indian golfer Sachin Baisoya.

Reflecting on his experiences in India, Shah mentioned that playing regularly in the country has helped him reconnect with his cultural roots.

"I remain deeply connected to my culture and roots in India. After my first experience at DLF as part of the Asian Tour, I knew I wanted to make playing golf in India a more frequent part of my life," he said.

Discussing the future of Indian golf, Shah commended the sport's growth and the initiatives aimed at developing stronger support systems for young players.

"They are doing an excellent job, especially with the IGPL, which aims to create golf courses and development complexes for young Indian players to learn and elevate their game," he remarked.

"There are many talented players emerging in India, following in the footsteps of the pioneers before them. The more they compete internationally, the more they can enhance their skills," Shah concluded.