MJ Daffue Claims Second Title at PGTI Open with Bogey-Free Final Round
Daffue's Impressive Win
MJ Daffue secured his second title on the HotelPlanner Tour in just two months, showcasing a remarkable performance during the final day of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Open, a prestigious event with a prize pool of $300,000. This tournament was co-sanctioned by the DP World PGTI and the HotelPlanner Tour.
A Strong Finish
Starting the final round with a four-stroke advantage, the South African golfer carded a 69, finishing at 21 under par with a total score of 267. He edged out American Jhared Hack and India's Saptak Talwar by a single stroke, propelling him to the top of the season-long Road to Mallorca Rankings.
"I am really pleased," Daffue expressed. "The first win is always significant, but this time I had confidence in my abilities. I felt comfortable and carried momentum from my recent performances."
"Patience has been key for me. Working with a sports psychologist has reinforced my motto of 'dogged determination and patience,' which proved beneficial today," he added.
Saptak Talwar's Resilient Performance
Saptak Talwar, who was in third place and two shots behind after the third round, struggled initially in the final round, recording seven pars and a bogey in the first eight holes. However, he rallied back with five birdies from the ninth to the 18th hole, including a crucial 10-foot putt on the 13th. Talwar's efforts earned him $27,000 (INR 24,30,000), maintaining his lead in the PGTI Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs 70,30,200.
Reflecting on his game, Talwar stated, "I started off a bit cautiously in the first eight holes, but I was proud of my comeback in the last ten. After last week's victory, it was important to reset my expectations. The birdie on the 13th was pivotal for my finish, and I managed to keep bogeys to a minimum again this week."
Jhared Hack's Strong Finish
Jhared Hack, who won the season opener of the DP World PGTI, delivered a bogey-free 65 on the final day, finishing tied for second with Saptak at 20 under par (268). He currently ranks second on the PGTI merit list, trailing Talwar with season earnings of Rs 64,96,800.
Top Performers
Among other notable finishes, Yuvraj Sandhu (71) tied for sixth at 16 under par (272), while Ravi Kumar (69) finished tied for ninth at 15 under par (273). Rashid Khan (74) and Pritish Singh Karayat (71) both ended tied for 17th at 13 under par (275).