Gaganjeet Bhullar Claims Third Victory in Indian Golf Premier League
Bhullar's Remarkable Win
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who started the week with a modest performance, concluded it in spectacular fashion, marking his third victory on the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) Tour. After an opening round of 1-under 71, which featured a hole-in-one, he followed up with impressive rounds of 67-67, finishing with a total score of 11-under at the beautiful Glade One Resort and Golf Club.
Raghav Chugh's Strong Performance
The exceptionally talented 21-year-old Raghav Chugh, a recent graduate from Rice University, put forth a commendable effort but fell just short, finishing in second place with a total score of 10-under after shooting a 4-under 68.
International Players Fall Short
Three international competitors—Filipino Justin Quiban, Mexican Santiago de la Fuentes, and Indian-American Manav Shah—were unable to secure a win, all tying for third place at 8-under.
A Thrilling Final Round
The final round was intensely competitive, with Bhullar, Chugh, and Fuentes all tied at 10-under with just two holes remaining. Ultimately, Bhullar secured the win with a 5-under performance, highlighted by a birdie on the 18th hole, following an eagle-birdie sequence on the 14th and 15th holes.
Top Contenders' Performance
Quiban, who also played on an invitation, shot a 68, mixing six birdies with a double bogey on the 17th, which hindered his chances for the title. He finished tied for third with a total of 8-under. Fuentes, the 2024 Latin America Amateur Champion, struggled on the 17th with a double bogey, while Chugh's birdie streak ended with three consecutive pars, allowing Bhullar to take the lead.
Shah, who was among the overnight leaders, faced challenges with a triple bogey on the tenth hole, finishing with a score of 71 and tying for third.
Ridhima Dilawari Shines as Leading Female Pro
Ridhima Dilawari emerged as the top female professional, achieving a solid Top-10 finish with her best round of the week at 5-under 67, which included six birdies and one bogey. She plans to participate more in domestic tournaments in the upcoming year.
Bhullar's Championship Journey
Bhullar showcased his experience and skill throughout the tournament. After a mixed front nine, he turned in 2-under and maintained his position in the title race. Despite a bogey on the back nine, he rebounded with an eagle on the 14th and a birdie on the 15th, ultimately finishing with a birdie on the 18th to secure his lead.
Having previously won the first two events of the inaugural IGPL season, Bhullar returned to the tour after a brief hiatus due to international commitments and family matters.
Chugh's Determined Runner-Up Finish
Chugh, a former US Kids Teen World Champion, began the day with a bogey but quickly recovered with an eagle on the fifth hole. He reached a tied lead with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th but could not find another birdie to force a playoff, finishing second behind Bhullar.