Gaganjeet Bhullar Clinches Fourth IGPL Title in Chandigarh
Bhullar's Remarkable Comeback at IGPL Invitational
In Chandigarh, Gaganjeet Bhullar showcased his exceptional golfing skills by successfully defending his title at the IGPL Invitational. Overcoming a four-shot deficit, he secured his fourth IGPL victory in just six appearances.
Bhullar's performance included rounds of 68 and 69 on the first two days, culminating in a flawless 4-under 68 on the final day. His impressive back nine featured three birdies in a span of four holes, specifically between the 13th and 16th holes.
With a total score of 11-under par across three days, Bhullar's only blemish was a single bogey on the second day, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and precision throughout the tournament.
He finished three strokes ahead of Varun Parikh, who shot a 70, while Sachin Baisoya and Manav Shah both ended at 7-under, tying for third place. Both Parikh and Shah, making their IGPL debuts, expressed their excitement about their performances.
Bhullar, surrounded by friends and fans as he celebrated on the 18th green at the Chandigarh Golf Club, remarked, "Winning is always fulfilling, and I strive to maintain my focus throughout the game." He also expressed his fondness for the course, stating, "This is my home course."
In the previous year, Bhullar had triumphed in the first two IGPL events and later added a third title to his accolades. Despite participating in only five IGPL events in 2025, he ranked third on the Order of Merit, trailing behind Pukhraj Singh Gill and Aman Raj.
Varun Parikh, who finished second with a par on the final hole, credited Bhullar for encouraging him to join the IGPL. Parikh's rounds of 71, 67, and 70 placed him at 8-under, three shots behind the champion.
Aman Raj, who led overnight, struggled on the final day with a score of 77, dropping to fifth place at 6-under, while Varun Chopra finished sixth at 5-under with a round of 67.
Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of the IGPL, expressed his delight with the outcome, stating, "Gaganjeet Bhullar is undoubtedly the top Indian golfer at present. His consistent performances speak volumes, and he serves as a mentor to younger players." He noted the significance of Bhullar winning the opening event of the 2026 IGPL season, just as he did in 2025.
Three players, including last year's IGPL Order of Merit champion Pukhraj Singh Gill, Karandeep Kochhar, and Kapil Kumar, tied for seventh place at 4-under for the tournament. All three had previously won events in the 2025 season.
The tournament has attracted new talent, with debutants Varun Parikh, Manav Shah, and Varun Chopra finishing in the Top-6, showcasing their potential as valuable assets to the IGPL.
Reflecting on his performance, Bhullar expressed satisfaction but acknowledged room for improvement, emphasizing the importance of minimizing bogeys. He also praised Parikh for handling the pressure of competing in the final group.
Parikh, in turn, commended Bhullar's composure and confidence, stating, "He remains calm even when a shot doesn't go as planned. I sought his advice before joining the IGPL, and after our conversation, I was convinced it was the right path to the Asian Tour and the International Series, which is my ultimate goal. The recent announcement of the tie-up between the IGPL and the International Series was fantastic news."
Parikh, who finished second in his debut, remarked, "Playing alongside Gaganjeet, an 11-time Asian Tour winner, was an invaluable experience."
The Top-10 was rounded out by a blend of youth and experience, including six-time Asian Tour winner SSP Chawrasia, Harendra Gupta, Veer Ganapathy, and left-handed golfer Kartik Sharma.