Aryan Roopa Anand Shines with 6-Under 66 at IGPL Invitational 2026
Aryan Roopa Anand Takes the Lead
In New Delhi, Aryan Roopa Anand showcased an impressive performance by scoring a remarkable 6-under 66 during the first round of the IGPL Invitational 2026 at the Qutab Golf Course. This outstanding score not only placed him at the top of the leaderboard but also provided a significant boost to his team, the Delhi Blue Bulls, who are 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 4-under 68, positioning the Blue Bulls favorably in the team competition.
Emerging talent Sawai Hamendra Singh Bhati and seasoned player Sachin Baisoya, a previous IGPL champion in Mauritius, both recorded 5-under 67s, tying for second place.
The RVR Delhi Blue Bulls led 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, were tied for second place at 7-under.
The first day of the tournament featured a diverse leaderboard, showcasing a blend of youthful talent and experienced players. Eight competitors, including female golfer Kashika Mishra, were tied for fourth place.
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.
Manav Shah, who qualified for the US Open, ended the day tied for 12th at 3-under 69, while Karandeep Kochhar scored 71, placing him tied for 21st. Varun Chopra, the winner in Ras Al Khaimah, had a modest start with an even-par score, landing him in a tie for 26th.
Aryan, 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 prospects since turning professional in 2023 after a successful amateur career, which included 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 playoff.
This victory earned him a spot in the $2 million International Series Morocco on the Asian Tour.
Reflecting on his team, Aryan expressed, "I couldn't have asked to play for a better team. We have a great number of supportive owners. Our camaraderie is unmatched, especially since I'm younger than the rest. I look up to them as mentors, and they've helped me grow as a golfer over the past few months."
He added, "I'm thrilled because it's home week for us, and it's great to see our team at the top of the leaderboard, with Shiv Sir right behind me."
Discussing his performance in the first round, Aryan noted, "My short game was solid today, allowing me to convert many birdies from close range. Even when I faced challenges, my short game helped me maintain my score."
Starting on the first hole, he birdied the third and fourth holes but had a setback with a bogey 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 birdied the 11th hole, bringing his score to 3-under. In a strong finish, he secured three more birdies on the 15th, 16th, and 18th holes, concluding the day at 6-under. Although he missed a few easy putts, he managed to avoid any three-putts.
This early lead adds excitement to what has already been a promising IGPL season for Aryan. His performance at Qutab is particularly crucial for the Delhi Blue Bulls as they aim to make a significant impact on their home course.
Sawai Bhati recorded six birdies with one bogey, while Sachin Baisoya, seeking his second IGPL title, also had six birdies but faced one late bogey in his 67.
Kapur, with a solid opening score of 4-under 68, shares fourth place with five other players. The former Asian Games gold medalist is eager to make his mark in the Delhi leg after a dramatic finish in Ras Al Khaimah.
In that event, Kapur had a strong start with a 10-under 62, including a hole-in-one, but ultimately lost to Varun Chopra, who clinched his first IGPL title with a closing score of 68.
Bhullar, one of the most accomplished players in IGPL history, also finished tied for fourth with a 4-under 68. As India's most decorated player on the Asian Tour, he has won four IGPL titles, making him a formidable competitor.