Gaganjeet Bhullar Clinches Fourth IGPL Title in Chandigarh
Bhullar's Remarkable Comeback
Gaganjeet Bhullar successfully defended his title at the IGPL Invitational in Chandigarh, overcoming a four-shot deficit to secure his fourth victory in just six appearances. He recorded scores of 68 and 69 on the first two days, followed by a flawless 4-under 68, which included three birdies in a span of four holes from the 13th to the 16th on the back nine.
Consistent Performance
With a total score of 11-under par over three days, Bhullar only had one bogey on the second day, showcasing remarkable consistency and precision. 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.
Celebrating Victory
"Winning is always fulfilling, and I strive to maintain my focus throughout the game," Bhullar expressed, surrounded by friends and fans as he celebrated on the 18th green at the Chandigarh Golf Club. He added, "This course feels like home to me," recalling his victories in the previous IGPL events.
Debutants Shine
Varun Parikh, a newcomer to the IGPL, credited Bhullar for encouraging him to join the tournament. He finished second with a par on the final hole, achieving a total score of 8-under with rounds of 71, 67, and 70.
Final Day Challenges
Aman Raj, who led overnight, struggled on the final day with a score of 77, dropping to fifth place at 6-under. Varun Chopra finished sixth with a score of 5-under after a round of 67.
Praise from IGPL CEO
Uttam Singh Mundy, the IGPL CEO, expressed his delight at Bhullar's victory, stating, "Without a doubt, Gaganjeet is the best Indian golfer currently. His consistent performances speak volumes, and he serves as a mentor to younger players. It was fitting for him to win the opening event of the 2026 IGPL season, just as he did in 2025."
Emerging Talents
The tournament attracted several new talents, including Varun Parikh, Manav Shah, and Varun Chopra, all of whom finished in the Top-6, showcasing their potential in the IGPL.
Reflections on Performance
Bhullar reflected on his game, stating, "While I'm pleased with my performance, I believe I can achieve even better scores, but minimizing bogeys is crucial." He also praised Parikh for handling the pressure of competing in the final group.
Top-10 Finishers
The Top-10 included a blend of youth and experience, featuring six-time Asian Tour winner SSP Chawrasia, Harendra Gupta, Veer Ganapathy, and left-handed golfer Kartik Sharma.