Aryan Roopa Anand Takes Lead at IGPL Invitational 2026 with Impressive 6-Under 66
Opening Round Highlights
In a stellar performance, young golfer Aryan Roopa Anand shot a remarkable 6-under 66 during the first round of the IGPL Invitational 2026, securing the lead at the Qutab Golf Course. This impressive score also provided a significant boost to his team, the Delhi Blue Bulls, competing on home turf.
Team captain Shiv Kapur, who finished as the runner-up in the previous event held in Ras Al Khaimah, also had a strong start with a score of 4-under 68. The Blue Bulls are currently well-positioned in the team standings, as noted in a recent release. Additionally, Sawai Hamendra Singh Bhati and the seasoned Sachin Baisoya, an IGPL champion from Mauritius, both recorded scores of 5-under 67, placing them in a tie for second.
Team Standings Overview
The RVR Delhi Blue Bulls lead the team standings with a combined score of 10-under, thanks to the contributions from Aryan and Kapur. The Vimtra Chennai Lions, anchored by Gaganjeet Bhullar, and the Green Fuels Vizag Dolphins, led by M Dharma, are tied for second place at 7-under.
The leaderboard on Day One showcased a diverse mix of talent, featuring eight players, including one female competitor, Kashika Mishra, tied for fourth. This group included notable players such as Shiv Kapur, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Varun Parikh, Arjun Prasad, veteran M Dharma, Rohit Baisoya, and Shaurya Binu, all finishing with scores of 4-under 68.
Performance Insights
Manav Shah, who qualified for the US Open, is currently tied for 12th place with a score of 3-under 69, while Karandeep Kochhar sits at T-21 with a score of 71. Varun Chopra, the winner from Ras Al Khaimah, had a modest start, finishing with an even-par score of 72, placing him at T-26.
Spotlight on Aryan Anand
Aryan Anand, the youngest member of the RVR Delhi Blue Bulls and a rising star from Mysuru, has quickly gained recognition as one of India's top golf talents. He turned professional in 2023 after a successful amateur career, which included winning consecutive All India Amateur titles.
Earlier this year, he celebrated his first professional victory on the IGPL Tour at the AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo, where he triumphed over former Olympian Udayan Mane in a thrilling three-hole playoff. This victory earned him a spot in the $2 million International Series Morocco on the Asian Tour.
Aryan's Thoughts on Team Dynamics
Reflecting on his team, Aryan expressed, "I couldn't have asked to play for a better team. We have a supportive group of owners and a strong bond among teammates. Our camaraderie is unmatched, especially since I'm the youngest. I look up to them as mentors, and they've helped me grow as a golfer over the past few months."
"It's great to see our team at the top of the leaderboard, especially during our home week, and I'm pleased with my performance alongside Shiv Sir, who is right behind me."
Round One Performance Breakdown
Discussing his first-round performance, Aryan noted, "My short game was solid today, allowing me to convert several birdies from close range. Even when I faced challenges on some holes, my short game helped me maintain my score."
He began his round with a birdie on the third hole and another on the fourth, before experiencing his only setback on the Par-3 sixth. He quickly recovered with a birdie on the eighth, finishing the front nine at 2-under 34. On the back nine, he added another birdie on the 11th, bringing his total to 3-under. Over the last four holes, he secured three additional birdies on the 15th, 16th, and 18th, concluding the day with a score of 6-under. Despite missing a few makeable putts, he managed to avoid any three-putts, marking a solid day overall.
For Aryan, this early lead adds excitement to what has already been a promising IGPL season, particularly for the Delhi Blue Bulls as they aim to make a significant impact on their home course.
Key Competitors in the Mix
Sawai Bhati recorded six birdies against one bogey, while Sachin Baisoya, seeking his second IGPL victory, also had six birdies but faced one late bogey in his 67.
Kapur, with a strong start of 4-under 68, shares fourth place with five other players. The former Asian Games gold medalist is looking to settle unfinished business after his recent close competition with Varun Chopra in Ras Al Khaimah.
Kapur had a commanding lead in the Ras Al Khaimah event after an impressive opening round of 10-under 62, which included a hole-in-one. However, Chopra's decisive final round of 68 allowed him to finish at 14-under 202, claiming his first IGPL title.
Bhullar, one of the most accomplished players in IGPL history, is also tied for fourth after a solid 4-under 68. As India's most decorated player on the Asian Tour, Bhullar has won four IGPL titles, making him a formidable competitor whenever he competes.