Vishesh Sharma Claims First Professional Title at Telangana Golconda Masters

Vishesh Sharma's Triumph at Golconda Masters

Local favorite Vishesh Sharma showcased remarkable composure in a thrilling final round to clinch his first professional title at the Telangana Golconda Masters, held at the Hyderabad Golf Association. The 19-year-old golfer finished with a score of one-under 69, totaling 21-under 259, edging out Noida's Amardeep Malik by just one stroke in the tournament's twelfth edition.

Vishesh, with scores of 60-66-64-69, is in his second season on the DP World PGTI and took home a prize of Rs 15 lakh. This victory propelled him from 25th to 14th in the 2026 Order of Merit, bringing his season earnings to Rs 30,93,550, and secured his entry into the DP World India Championship.

Malik, who finished with a score of 20-under 260 after a strong closing round of four-under 66, had an eventful day that included an eagle on the par-five sixth hole, six birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. The 41-year-old earned Rs 10 lakh and moved up from 22nd to 19th in the Order of Merit, with total earnings of Rs 27,75,748.

Chandigarh's Akshay Sharma matched the course record with a stunning 10-under 60, featuring an eagle, ten birdies, and two bogeys, which included four consecutive birdies from the third to the sixth holes. He finished tied for third at 19-under 261.

Delhi's Honey Baisoya also shared third place after scoring seven birdies and two bogeys for a round of 65, earning Rs 5,49,800 and solidifying his position in third place in the season rankings with total earnings of Rs 57,21,892.

Sharma's Journey to Victory

Starting the day with a four-shot lead, Vishesh's path to victory was not without challenges. His final round included seven birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey, as Malik closed the gap to just one stroke.

"I’m over the moon. It still hasn’t completely sunk in," Vishesh expressed in a statement. "Winning my first professional title at 19, especially at my home course, makes this victory incredibly special."

After a double bogey on the par-four 13th, Vishesh responded with back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes to maintain his lead. "The double bogey was due to nerves; I hit a poor shot and tried to recover in a situation that wasn’t ideal, which cost me. However, the two birdies that followed helped me stay ahead," he explained.

A crucial lag putt on the 18th hole ensured his victory. "That putt was vital and helped me finish the job," he added.

This title marks Vishesh's first win in his 33rd start on the DP World PGTI since joining the tour last season, with his previous best finish being sixth at the Boulders Classic in April.

Vishesh expressed gratitude towards his family, coach Sanjay Singh, and the support from HGA, Boulder Hills, the DP World PGTI staff, and the home crowd, which provided a morale boost throughout the final round.

Reflecting on his journey, Vishesh recalled attending a DP World PGTI event at HGA as a junior in 2021, where he watched many top players. "To have watched the professionals here as a youngster, then compete on the same course and now win a title is difficult to put into perspective," he said.

Tournament Highlights and Top Performers

Chandigarh's Angad Cheema finished fifth with a score of 15-under 265, followed by Ajeetesh Sandhu in sixth at 14-under 266. Delhi's Rashid Khan and Kshitij Naveed Kaul shared seventh place at 13-under 267.

Defending champion Jamal Hossain from Bangladesh ended tied for 30th at two-under 278, with his final round featuring a hole-in-one on the par-three third, marking the fourth ace of the week.

In the second round, both Abhinav Lohan and Anshul Kabthiyal aced the par-three 11th hole, while Harman Sachdeva recorded his hole-in-one on the par-three seventh.

Order of Merit Update

Current DP World PGTI Rankings leader Saptak Talwar, who competed on the HotelPlanner Tour during the summer, finished 11th at 11-under 269. He earned Rs 1,84,700, extending his lead in the rankings with season earnings of Rs 89,32,384.

The Race to DP World India Championship aims to crown the top player in the DP World PGTI, determining the top-24 players from the Order of Merit who will qualify for the season-ending DP World India Championship.