Exciting Rivalry Heats Up at Indian Golf Premier League in Delhi
Indian Golf Premier League Returns to Delhi
This week, the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) makes its much-anticipated return to Delhi, bringing with it an electrifying rivalry that intensified following last week's events in the desert, as noted in a recent press release.
As the IGPL Invitational 2026 kicks off at the Qutab Golf Course, all eyes will be on Varun Chopra and Shiv Kapur. Both players are arriving in the capital after an intense title showdown at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah.
Adding to the excitement is Gaganjeet Bhullar from Vimtra Chennai Lions GC, who is eager to claim victory. Bhullar, a three-time winner in 2025 and the champion of the opening event in 2026, is determined to secure more accolades this week.
The competition will also feature Karandeep Kochhar, along with players like Varun Parikh, Aman Raj, and the promising young talent Veer Ganapathy.
Recap of Ras Al Khaimah
In the previous week, Varun Chopra, representing Auro Goa Eagles, clinched his first IGPL title at Al Hamra, finishing with a remarkable 4-under 68 for a total of 14-under 202, edging out the seasoned Shiv Kapur by two strokes.
Kapur had initially taken control of the tournament with an impressive opening round of 10-under 62, which included a hole-in-one, and maintained a three-shot lead after 36 holes.
However, Chopra's strong performance on the final day shifted the tournament's dynamics.
High Stakes in Delhi: A Home Turf Rematch
Just days later, the two rivals will face off again, this time with Kapur competing in front of a home crowd as the star player for the RVR Delhi Blue Bulls. The stakes are higher with more competitors vying for honors, prize money, and team accolades.
A fascinating subplot to this rematch is that Kapur's stellar opening round in Ras Al Khaimah was one of the season's highlights, while Chopra demonstrated his ability to handle pressure and secure a title.
Their renewed rivalry at Qutab is expected to have a different atmosphere, with Kapur eager to reclaim his position.
Top Contenders in the Field
Competing on home soil, Kapur, a gold medalist from the 2002 Asian Games and a four-time Asian Tour champion, leads a strong Blue Bulls team that includes three-time Asian Tour winner Gaurav Ghei, Asian Tour victor Chiragh Kumar, and rising star Aryan Roopa Anand.
While Kapur aims to leverage his home advantage, Chopra arrives with newfound confidence after his victory in Ras Al Khaimah, where he showcased his scoring prowess with an opening round of 6-under 66.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, the most successful Indian on the Asian Tour with 11 wins, is also in contention. He has already claimed four IGPL titles, including three in the inaugural 2025 season and another earlier this year.
Despite a challenging week in Ras Al Khaimah, where he opened with a 3-under 69, Bhullar is poised to capitalize on the opportunity at Qutab.
A Multi-Faceted Competition
The Delhi event encapsulates various narratives: Kapur seeking redemption, Chopra aiming to prove his recent success is just the beginning, and Bhullar chasing another victory. Close behind are Kochhar and others.
Additionally, several leading female golfers, including Ridhima Dilawari and Amandeep Drall, will be present, fine-tuning their skills ahead of the upcoming Hero Women’s Indian Open next month.
The men's field features prominent names from the AM Green IGPL, with the league's franchise format adding depth to the individual competition. The Auro Goa Eagles and RVR Delhi Blue Bulls are among the ten franchises that form the competitive backbone of the tour, while the IGPL continues to provide pathways for both established professionals and emerging talents.
The Qutab Golf Course serves as an ideal venue for this league, which aims to infuse personality, team identity, and excitement into professional golf, making Delhi a promising host.