The event marks the return of a major professional golf tournament to Kashmir after a significant gap and underscores the Government’s renewed focus on positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a premier destination for golf tourism. After ceremonially teeing off the tournament, the Chief Minister said that golf tourism forms an important component of the government’s broader strategy to promote tourism in Jammu & Kashmir. The Chief Minister said that Jammu & Kashmir is already witnessing encouraging signs of golf tourism, with visitors travelling to Srinagar specifically for weekend golfing experiences. Describing the J&K Open as a landmark event, Omar Abdullah said the tournament would help place Kashmir, particularly the Royal Springs Golf Course, firmly back on India’s golfing map. He noted that the championship has attracted more than 100 professional golfers, including over 10 international participants, reflecting the growing appeal of Jammu & Kashmir as a sporting destination.