CISCO Cup 2026 tees off in Thimphu

The CISCO Cup 2026 got underway yesterday at the Royal Thimphu Golf Course, with a full field taking to the fairways in the opening round of qualifiers. The tournament is being held to mark the 46th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

A total of 161 regular golfers are in contention this year, including three lady golfers, while the junior division has drawn 29 boys and girls. Played in the Stableford format over 18 holes, the early rounds are already testing consistency rather than risk taking, with players focusing on steady scoring to stay in contention.

The qualifying rounds will continue until March 20, after which the field will be cut down for the final rounds scheduled on March 21 and 22. Handicapped Bracket, and Overall categories, with players across divisions closely matched in the early stages.

Competition is spread across Junior Boys and Girls, Amateur, Ladies, With a total prize purse of Nu. 668,000, there is plenty at stake as the leaderboard begins to take shape.

The tournament is brought to you by its two main sponsors, CISCO and New Edge Technologies Pvt. Ltd., whose continued support is helping strengthen the domestic golf circuit.

Karma L. Dorji, Executive Director of the Royal Thimphu Golf Course, said the tournament is a fitting way to celebrate the Birth Anniversary of His Majesty, bringing golfers together in both competition and tribute.

With two more days of qualifying remaining, the focus now shifts to maintaining form and avoiding costly errors, as only the most consistent players will make it through to the final rounds.