Khalin Joshi Dominates Bengaluru Open with Impressive Lead

Khalin Joshi has taken a commanding lead at the Bengaluru Open 2026, following a stellar performance that included a four-under 68 in the second round. With a total score of 15-under 129, he is six shots ahead of the competition. Local golfer Manoj S is in second place, while several players are tied for third. Joshi expressed satisfaction with his game and aims to maintain his lead in the final rounds. The tournament is crucial for players looking to secure their spots for the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 24, 2026, 01:00 IST

Khalin Joshi Extends Lead at Bengaluru Open

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], September 23: Khalin Joshi showcased an outstanding performance at the Bengaluru Open 2026, following up his record-setting opening round with a four-under 68, which has given him a commanding six-shot lead at the halfway mark, as reported by a press release.

The 34-year-old golfer from Bengaluru, who scored an impressive 11-under 61 in his first round, finished the day with a total of 15-under 129 after making five birdies and only one bogey on a cool, windy day at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA).

Joshi maintained a bogey-free streak until the 16th hole, where he recorded his only slip of the day on the par-four seventh hole.

Having recently won the Nava Raipur Open, Joshi entered the Bengaluru event ranked seventh in the Race to India Championship.

Local talent Manoj S (65-70) held onto second place with a score of nine-under 135 after a two-under 70 round, which included five birdies, one bogey, and a double bogey.

Four players are tied for third place at seven-under 137: Manu Gandas from Gurugram (69-68), Saptak Talwar from Greater Noida (67-70), Shaurya Bhattacharya from Delhi (66-71), and Veer Ahlawat from Gurugram (68-69).

Gandas was the champion of the 2023 PGTI Rankings, while Talwar currently leads the Race to India Championship. Ahlawat was the top-ranked player in the PGTI Rankings for 2024. Mari Muthu R. from Bengaluru (67-71) dropped from a tie for fourth to seventh place at six-under 138.

Joshi expressed satisfaction with his performance and his strong position at this stage of the tournament.

“It was another solid day. I’m pleased with how I’ve played in the first two rounds and happy with my position. I’m looking forward to the final two days,” Joshi stated.

He began his second round with two consecutive birdies and added three more before his only blemish on the seventh hole.

“I started strong with birdies on my first two holes. I would have liked to finish a bit better, especially after my first bogey of the week, but I still feel good about my game,” he added.

The challenging winds and tougher pin placements provided a different test compared to the opening round, but Joshi felt the conditions allowed players to appreciate the KGA course at its finest.

“We were fortunate with great weather, although the gusty winds and tougher flag positions made the course interesting,” he remarked. “KGA is my home course, and it’s wonderful for everyone to experience such a fantastic venue in these conditions.”

With a six-shot lead heading into the final rounds, Joshi plans to maintain the strategy that has brought him to 15-under after 36 holes.

“I want to keep finding fairways and greens, create birdie opportunities, and maintain pressure at the top of the leaderboard,” Joshi concluded, noting that his Thai girlfriend is caddying for him this week.

The halfway cut was set at one-over 145, allowing 52 players from a field of 132 to advance to the final rounds.

The Bengaluru Open serves as the last tournament before the top-60 players on the 2026 PGTI Order of Merit are finalized. Those finishing in the top-60 will secure their playing rights for the 2026-27 season.