Gaganjeet Bhullar wins maiden golf premier league

An early eagle and a late birdie led Gaganjeet Bhullar to card a 2-under 70 in the final round and win the inaugural Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) title at the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC).

The winner of 11 Asian Tour titles — the most by an Indian — Bhullar shot three rounds of 70-71-70 for a 5-under total and won by two shots over the consistent M Dharma. “This one is for the history books,” said Bhullar, who was challenged hard by Dharma, Ganapathy and Binu.

Bullar, who opened with a bogey, quickly made up with an eagle. A string of pars followed and as Dharma and the young brigade chased him, he stayed steady and added a late birdie on the 17th to seal the issue. “The IGPL is a new chapter in Indian golf, and I am proud to be part of it,” added Bhullar.

Dharma shot 70-75-68 to finish second. He gave Bhullar a tough fight with a 5-under back nine, but his two bogeys on the front nine cost him dear. Left-handed debutant Ganapathy (72-72-70), son of former pro and now coach Rahul Ganapathy, was tied-3rd alongside another southpaw, Kartik Sharma (73-73-68), who produced a 4-under 68, the equal best round of the tournament, and Binu (69-72-73). Only seven players came under par on a challenging course.

Jahanvi Bakshi, while making a comeback after a gap of two years due to injuries, was the top female golfer finisher with rounds of 73-71-75 and 19th in a field of 54 that included 38 men professionals, 10 women pros and six amateurs. The next IGPL event will be held at the Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, from September 17 to 19.