Three recent champions headline star-studded Women's Indian Open field
Three of the last four champions will return to the Hero Women's Indian Open as a strong international field lines up for the 2026 edition at the DLF Golf & Country Club here from October 22 to 25.
Defending champion Shannon Tan of Singapore, England's Liz Young, who won in 2024, and Germany's Olivia Cowan, the 2022 champion, will be among the leading contenders for the title at one of Asia's premier Ladies European Tour events.
Tan produced a remarkable comeback last year to claim the USD 500,000 tournament. Starting the final round five shots off the lead, she carded a 67 to finish at seven-under 281, edging England's Alice Hewson by one stroke. India's Hitaashee Bakshi finished third at five-under.
Tan had finished in a four-way tie for second behind Young in 2024 before returning a year later to claim her third LET title.
The field also features three former LET Order of Merit winners — Tan, 2024 champion Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland and Thailand's Trichat Cheenglab, who topped the rankings in 2023.
Four players who have already won on the LET this season are also among the early entries. England's Eleanor Givens won the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open, Thailand's Aunchisa Utama triumphed at the Dutch Ladies Open, Germany's Leonie Harm claimed the Amundi German Masters, while France's Agathe Laisné won both the Joburg Ladies Open and Ford Women's NSW Open.
Hewson, last year's runner-up, has also carried her form into the current season, finishing tied second at the La Sella Open in September with an eight-under 208.
The international depth sets up a demanding challenge for the Indian contingent, which will be seeking to end a 10-year wait for a home winner.
Aditi Ashok was the last Indian to lift the trophy, winning the title in 2016.
With three recent champions, multiple former Order of Merit winners and several players already in the winner's circle this season, the 2026 edition promises another competitive test when the tournament begins next month.