The escalating Middle East conflict, particularly military actions involving Iran, has ripple effects beyond geopolitics — now impacting professional golf.
The HotelPlanner Tour, the developmental feeder circuit to the DP World Tour, has withdrawn its sanctioning from next week’s Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship in Ahmedabad, India.
The tournament, co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and scheduled at Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club starting around March 12, 2026, will proceed but solely under PGTI auspices, without HotelPlanner Tour status or points/ranking implications for its players.
In an official statement, the HotelPlanner Tour explained: “Due to the ongoing military action in the Middle East, HotelPlanner Tour staff and players are currently facing significant travel disruption ahead of next week’s Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship in Ahmedabad, India, with many scheduled to travel via the Middle East.
“As a result, the decision has been taken with the Professional Golf Tour of India to withdraw the HotelPlanner Tour sanction from this event.”
Statement from the HotelPlanner Tour:
Due to the ongoing military action in the Middle East, HotelPlanner Tour staff and players are currently facing significant travel disruption ahead of next week’s Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship in Ahmedabad, India, with many… pic.twitter.com/iMK4XWAIWH
— HotelPlanner Tour (@HPlanner_Tour) March 5, 2026
Airspace closures, flight cancellations, and general travel chaos stemming from the conflict — reports mention U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions — have made safe, reliable routing impossible for many participants and officials relying on Middle Eastern hubs. Several HotelPlanner Tour players, including Irish pros like Conor Purcell, Gary Hurley, Liam Nolan, and Max Kennedy, were entered but now face uncertainty or shifts in plans.
This marks the latest sports casualty from the regional tensions, joining disruptions in cricket pre-season tours and even delays for LIV Golf players transiting the area.
The HotelPlanner Tour’s next planned India stop — the DP World PGTI Open the following week — remains on the calendar for now, though ongoing instability could prompt further review.
