AL AIN, UAE — The Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) has named Rishi Narain as Team Captain for the 2027 Bonallack Trophy, marking an unprecedented third consecutive term for the Indian golfing stalwart as the region targets a fourth successive victory over Europe.
The Ryder Cup-style amateur match-play tournament is scheduled to take place next January at the Al Ain Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates. Narain, who successfully steered the APGC ‘All-Stars’ to narrow victories over the European Golf Association (EGA) in 2023 and 2025, becomes the first individual to captain the Asian side three times.
APGC Chairman Philip Hassall highly praised Narain's impact on the squad over the last four years.
"Over the previous two editions of the Bonallack Trophy, Rishi has proved himself to be a truly outstanding leader, instilling a phenomenal team spirit and inspiring his players to perform at their peak," Hassall said. "We’re delighted that he’ll continue as Captain as we seek an unprecedented fourth win in a row."
Narain's appointment arrives on the heels of a historic year for his personal legacy, having recently been inducted into the Indian Golf Hall of Fame. A former gold medalist with India’s 1982 Asian Games golf team, Narain has spent more than forty years in the industry spanning publishing, player management, and event promotion. He currently serves as the Head of Events, Sponsorship, and Membership at the Asian Golf Industry Federation.
Reflecting on his reappointment, Narain underscored the profound personal and professional significance of the role.
"Being Captain of the APGC team at the past two editions of the Bonallack Trophy have been among the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my working career," Narain said. "It’s a great honour to once again be asked to lead a team containing so many incredibly talented players from our region in what is one of the most high-profile events in amateur team golf. I’m excited at the prospect of attempting to retain the trophy."
Rishi Narain (back row, fourth left) with the APGC's triumphant team at Al Hamra Golf Club in 2025.
The Bonallack Trophy, which launched in 1998, was historically dominated by Europe, with the EGA claiming seven of the first nine editions. However, the APGC began turning the tide with a slim one-point victory in Doha in 2018. Following a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, Narain took the reins for the 2023 staging at Spain's La Manga Club, securing a 17–15 win. He followed that up in 2025 with a nail-biting 16.5–15.5 defense at the Al Hamra Golf Club in the UAE.
Narain stands alone in his three-stint captaincy, surpassing two-time APGC captains Taizo Kawata (Japan), Roger Brennard (New Zealand), and Matt Cutler (Australia).
The tournament has long been a proving ground for the world's elite golfing talent. Past APGC players include major winners and stars like Cameron Smith, Hideki Matsuyama, Geoff Ogilvy, and Min Woo Lee, while Europe has previously fielded the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry.
The Bonallack Trophy unfolds across three days of intense match play:
A total of 32 points are available throughout the competition, meaning the APGC team will need 16.5 points to outright secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive trophy.
The announcement rounds out the APGC's leadership structure for next year's trip to Al Ain. It follows the confirmation that Joanne McKee will return for a third overall stint to captain the APGC side in the Patsy Hankins Trophy—the women's equivalent amateur team event played concurrently and under a identical format.
