Viraj Madappa Claims Chennai Open 2026 Title with Stellar Performance

Viraj Madappa showcased an exceptional performance at the Chennai Open 2026, overcoming a three-shot deficit to win with a bogey-free eight-under 64. This victory marks his fourth professional title and elevates him in the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Madappa's disciplined approach and strategic play were key to his success, as he made eight birdies in the final round. The tournament also saw strong performances from Ajeetesh Sandhu and Amardeep Malik, among others. Discover more about Madappa's journey and the tournament highlights in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 12, 2026, 00:01 IST

Madappa's Remarkable Comeback

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 11: Viraj Madappa staged a stunning comeback, overcoming a three-shot deficit to secure victory at the Chennai Open 2026 with a flawless eight-under 64, finishing just one stroke ahead at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course.

The 28-year-old golfer from Kolkata, who had scores of 72-67-63-64, began the final round trailing Ajeetesh Sandhu. With eight birdies, he concluded the tournament at 22-under 266, marking his fourth professional win.

Madappa, who made history as the youngest Indian to triumph on the Asian Tour in 2018, took home Rs 15 lakh. This win propelled him from 44th to 22nd in the 2026 DP World PGTI Order of Merit, bringing his season earnings to Rs 23,90,042 and securing his entry into the DP World India Championship.

Ajeetesh Sandhu from Chandigarh, a five-time PGTI champion, finished as the runner-up at 21-under 267 after a four-under 68 that included five birdies and a bogey. He earned Rs 10 lakh and moved up from 21st to 15th in the Order of Merit, with total season earnings of INR 33,47,375.

Noida's Amardeep Malik finished third with a five-under 67, totaling 17-under 271, which elevated him from 19th to 14th in the standings, earning Rs 33,75,548.

Delhi's Rashid Khan secured fourth place at 16-under 272, closing with a six-under 66 that featured seven birdies and one bogey, solidifying his sixth position in the season rankings with earnings of Rs 52,70,309.

Gurugram's Veer Ahlawat, the 2024 PGTI Order of Merit champion, rounded out the top five at 15-under 273.

This victory marked Madappa's first title since the PGTI Players Championship in April 2025. He expressed satisfaction with his recent performance, despite not achieving the scores he desired earlier.

"I had been playing reasonably well without scoring as well as I would have liked," Madappa noted. "But I knew from experience that if I kept putting myself in position, I would eventually get something out of my game."

After starting with an even-par 72, Madappa's final three rounds totaled an impressive 22-under. He attributed his success to a more disciplined mindset.

"The biggest change over the last three days was greater mental discipline," he explained. "I had been giving away too many shots on the easier holes. I recognized that and managed those scoring opportunities much better this week."

Following a strong third round of 63, Madappa's flawless final round featured eight birdies, allowing him to erase Sandhu's lead.

"After the opening day, I probably didn’t expect to be in this position," he admitted. "Making eight birdies without a bogey made it a near-perfect final round. To play 22-under over the last three rounds and come away with the title is extremely satisfying," he added.

Madappa also shared that dosas were a staple in his diet throughout the week. "I’ve had dosas every day and ate three of them today," he said. "I’ll probably celebrate with more when I get home because the dosas there are unbelievable."

Current Race to India Championship leader Saptak Talwar finished tied for eighth at 12-under 276, earning Rs 2,00,100 and extending his lead in the standings with season earnings of Rs 91,32,484.

Defending champion N Thangaraja from Sri Lanka ended tied for 19th at eight-under 280.

The Race to the India Championship will determine the PGTI's top player and the top-24 players from the Order of Merit who will qualify for the season-ending India Championship.