Rajesh Kumar Gautam Triumphs in Thrilling DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026

In a gripping finale at the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, Rajesh Kumar Gautam triumphed in a three-way playoff, showcasing remarkable skill and composure. After finishing regulation play with a score of six-under 207, Gautam edged out Pankaj Maandiya and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal in a nail-biting playoff. This victory not only earned him a substantial prize but also boosted his ranking in the Order of Merit. With aspirations for future success, Gautam reflects on his performance and the support from his army unit. The event continues to establish itself as a vital platform for young golfers in Punjab.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 21:46 IST

Victory in a Nail-Biting Playoff

Rajesh Kumar Gautam emerged victorious in a tense three-way playoff at the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, held at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab. The Lucknow-based Armyman finished with a total score of six-under 207, edging out competitors Pankaj Maandiya and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, both of whom also finished with matching scores, according to a statement from PGTI.

Exciting Playoff Details

Gautam, who was tied for the lead overnight, carded a final round of one-under 70, which included three birdies and two bogeys. The playoff extended to three extra holes after all three players concluded the regulation 54 holes with identical scores. Aditya's bid ended on the first playoff hole with a par, while Rajesh and Pankaj both made pars on the second. Ultimately, Rajesh clinched the win with a birdie on the decisive third hole, as Pankaj struggled with two rough shots.

Prize Money and Rankings

With this victory, Rajesh secured a prize of Rs 3,17,875, elevating him to third place in the 2026 PGTI NexGen Order of Merit. Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, who finished as a joint runner-up with Pankaj, now leads the Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs 4,87,000. Sunny Singh finished in fourth place with a score of three-under 210.

Rajesh's Performance and Reflections

Rajesh, who previously won on the NexGen tour in 2025 and finished fourth in the merit list that year, faced a challenging final round before reaching the playoff. He started with a bogey on the second hole but quickly recovered with three consecutive birdies from the sixth to the eighth. Despite another bogey on the 15th, he maintained his position with pars on the final three holes. Rajesh expressed, "My driving and iron play were exceptional this week. My putting was also on point. After a rough start, I focused on getting close to the flag to keep my chances alive. Winning this playoff is a significant confidence boost, and I aim to secure the NexGen Order of Merit this year, which would help me qualify for the main tour next season. I am grateful to the 60 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army for their unwavering support."

Local Participation and Event Support

Local golfer Swatanter Kumar finished tied for 36th place with a score of seven-over 220. R S Gill, the Presenting Partner of the event, remarked, "It is an honor to support the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open for the second year in a row. Following the positive feedback from last year's tournament, we are thrilled to see this event becoming a significant platform for emerging professional golfers. Hosting a national-level event in Phillaur again underscores our commitment to fostering talent at the grassroots level and enhancing Punjab's reputation in Indian golf."