STORY BY AKSH GUPTA

India’s golfers are heading to the 20th Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 30 to October 3, with a format that puts the spotlight not just on individual brilliance, but on the collective strength of the team. Unlike traditional stroke-play tournaments, where every player’s score contributes to their individual standing, the Asian Games team competition introduces a fascinating twist: three golfers represent each country, but only the two lowest scores count towards the team total each day. In simple terms, three players, four rounds, twelve individual scores, but only eight scores determine the team’s final position.

Here is where the strategy begins. Imagine India’s three golfers carding 69, 71 and 75 in the opening round. The team score for the day becomes 140, with the 75 dropped from the team calculation. However, that score still remains relevant to the golfer’s individual competition. Across four days, each player completes 72 holes, producing twelve individual round scores for the team. The eight lowest scores, with two counting each day, form the final team aggregate. The four remaining scores disappear from the team total, but not from the individual leaderboard.

This scoring format makes consistency a crucial part of the contest. A spectacular round can strengthen the team’s position, while a difficult day may be absorbed by the performances of the other two golfers. Every player has a role to play, and every counted score can influence the team’s standing. The format also creates an interesting dynamic between individual ambition and team responsibility, as golfers compete for their personal positions while contributing to India’s overall medal campaign.

India’s men’s team features Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar, while Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs will represent the country in the women’s competition. With four rounds scheduled at Kasugai Country Club’s East Course, the Indian contingent will be aiming to combine individual performance with consistent team scoring across the competition.

For golf followers, the team format offers another layer of excitement beyond the individual leaderboard. A golfer’s score that does not contribute to the team total may still matter in the individual event, while a strong round from one teammate can help offset a challenging performance from another. The result is a competition where every player remains involved in the team’s campaign, right through the final round. As India tees off in Japan, remember the numbers: 12 scores are produced, 8 count towards the team total, and 4 disappear from the calculation. The real story, however, will be how India’s golfers turn those eight counted scores into a medal-winning performance.

Follow 4moles.com for Asian Games 2026 golf coverage, team updates, results and insights from Japan.