Jeev Milkha Singh Triumphs at IGPL Invitational in Sri Lanka
Jeev Milkha Singh's Remarkable Victory
Colombo [Sri Lanka], December 25: Indian golf icon Jeev Milkha Singh concluded the inaugural season of the IGPL with a spectacular win, outshining both seasoned and emerging talents at the IGPL Invitational in Sri Lanka.
After a lengthy absence from professional victories since 2012, Jeev showcased his skills on the Royal Colombo Golf Course during the final event of the season, as reported in a release.
Following a lackluster second day, Jeev dedicated nearly thirty minutes to practice on the putting green, which proved beneficial. His exceptional putting complemented his impressive iron play, allowing him to land his shots within 5-10 feet of the hole. He achieved five consecutive birdies and seven in a span of nine holes from the sixth to the fourteenth.
Starting the day two shots behind Aryan Roopa Anand, the 54-year-old Jeev turned back the clock with a stunning 6-under 65, finishing at 15-under overall, just one stroke ahead of Aryan.
Aryan, who shot a 68, needed an eagle on the Par-4 18th to force a playoff but settled for a birdie, finishing at 14-under.
While Jeev celebrated his first IGPL title, Pukhraj Singh Gill, despite finishing tied for 12th, secured the IGPL Order of Merit by a narrow margin over Aman Raj and Gaganjeet Bhullar. After 11 events with a total prize purse of Rs. 1.5 crore, Pukhraj edged Aman by less than Rs. 9,000.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Jeev was surrounded by friends after his victory, feeling both physically and emotionally spent.
"This is my first time playing in Sri Lanka, and it holds a special place in my heart. My parents began their love story here, and it’s where my mother played volleyball while my father competed in athletics. Their journey started here," Jeev shared, wiping away tears.
"We lost them in 2021, and I struggled to find the motivation to play. However, in 2022, I decided to play for them and strive for victory. I hope this win brings them joy," he added, gazing at the clear blue skies.
Jeev praised the Royal Colombo Golf Course and the event team, stating, "The course was fantastic, and the entire team did an excellent job, as did the IGPL team."
His son, Harjai, participated as an amateur, while Jeev's wife, Kudrat, supported them during the event. Harjai finished tied for 22nd.
After presenting the trophy to Jeev and draping him in the IGPL jacket, Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of the IGPL, remarked, "We couldn't have asked for a better winner to close the season than Jeev Milkha Singh, a global legend. It was an incredible three days, and Jeev demonstrated to the younger players, many of whom were not even born when he last won in 2012, that he remains a timeless champion."
He concluded, "At the IGPL, we take pride in having Jeev leave his mark with such a remarkable victory."
Jeev's last professional win was at the 2012 Scottish Open, and throughout his career, he has achieved four victories on the European Tour, four on the Japan Tour, and six on the Asian Tour, including a co-sanctioned event with the European Tour.
Jyoti Randhawa, who has competed alongside Jeev for over twenty years, also made his IGPL debut in Colombo and praised his friend.
"Jeev is an extraordinary player. I’ve been fortunate to witness his journey for many years. His passion and dedication to the game remain unchanged, and he always strives to win, as he demonstrated today. He is an inspiration to all," said Randhawa, whose son, Zoravar, also participated as an amateur, with both finishing tied for 24th.
Jeev's start was rocky, dropping a shot on the first hole but quickly recovering with a birdie on the second. After two pars, he dropped another shot on the fifth but then went on a birdie spree, scoring five consecutive birdies from the sixth to the tenth, taking the lead and never looking back. He added two more birdies on the 12th and 14th, allowing him to finish with four pars to secure the win. Jeev may now be recognized as the oldest winner on a professional tour, giving the IGPL a strong momentum in its inaugural year.
Karandeep Kochhar (65), who has already secured his spot on the 2026 Asian Tour by finishing second on the Asian Development Tour, placed third at 12-under, while SSP Chawrasia (69) finished fourth at 11-under after a late bogey. Gaganjeet Bhullar (68), who started the IGPL Tour with two wins and added another in his third appearance, finished fifth at 10-under.
Local amateur Kaya Daluwatte (71), who once held a three-shot lead during the third round, finished sixth at 9-under.
Veer Ganapathy, a standout performer of the inaugural IGPL season, secured seventh place at nine-under, maintaining under-par scores throughout all three days.
Four players, including Aman Raj (71), who was contending for the IGPL Order of Merit, tied for eighth with Raghav Chugh (63), Pranavi Urs (66), and Kapil Kumar (68) at 8-under.
Pranavi, the winner of the IGPL Mumbai, was the top female finisher, also tied for eighth at 8-under.
Pukhraj emerged as the Order of Merit champion in the inaugural IGPL.
Pukhraj Singh Gill (67), who celebrated his first professional victory at IGPL Jamshedpur, missed a crucial 4-foot birdie on his final hole, finishing tied for 12th with Chiragh Kumar (72). However, this was sufficient to secure the IGPL Order of Merit by a narrow margin. Pukhraj earned Rs 81,90,652, while Aman Raj, with two wins this season, earned Rs 81,81,708.54, falling short by less than Rs 9,000.
Gill's rewards include a spot in the US$ 2 million International Series in India early next year, along with a chance to qualify for an event on the Asian Tour.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who triumphed in his first three starts, earned Rs. 81,30,000, finishing third.
Pranavi Urs, with Rs 34,84,687, was the top female professional earner of the season.