Phillaur (Punjab), March 5 – Rajesh Kumar Gautam won the PGTI Phillaur Open 2026, played at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club, after prevailing in a three-way playoff.
Rajesh Kumar Gautam (70-67-70), based in Lucknow, edged out Pankaj Maandiya (68-70-69) and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal (69-69-69) in a playoff that went to three extra holes after the trio ended the regulation 54 holes with matching totals of six-under 207.
Rajesh, who was the overnight joint leader, scored a one-under 70 in the final round, featuring three birdies and two bogeys, before emerging victorious on the third playoff hole with a birdie.
Pankaj Maandiya and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, who were both tied third overnight, one shot behind the leader, scored two-under 69 in the final round to join Rajesh in the playoff.
Aditya’s challenge ended on the first playoff hole, where he made par, while the other two players made birdies. Rajesh and Pankaj made pars on the second playoff hole, but on the decisive third playoff hole, Rajesh triumphed with a birdie as Pankaj made par after finding the rough twice.
Rajesh’s second win on the NexGen saw him win the prize money of Rs 3,17,875, which moved him to third position in the 2026 DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit.
Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, who finished joint runner-up alongside Pankaj Maandiya in Phillaur, now leads the NexGen Order of Merit with season’s earnings of Rs 4,87,000.
Sunny Singh finished fourth at three-under 210.
Rajesh, who won on the NexGen in 2025 when he also finished fourth on the NexGen merit list, had a mixed final round before heading into the playoff.
Gautam made an early bogey on the second hole, but came back strongly with three consecutive birdies from the sixth to the eighth, thanks to his excellent iron shots. He finally made a bogey on the 15th, but kept himself in contention with pars on the last three holes.
Rajesh said, “My driving and iron play were particularly good this week. My putting was also excellent today. Despite a poor start to the final round after the early bogey, I focused on getting the ball close to the flag to keep my chances alive. It was a tense playoff, and I managed to stay composed to win in the end.
“This win is a big confidence booster for me. It helps me aim to win the NexGen Order of Merit this year, which would also allow me to qualify for the main tour next season. I would like to thank the 60 Engineer Regiment, my unit in the Indian Army, for all their support.”
Swatanter Kumar, a professional based in Phillaur, finished tied 36th at seven-over 220.
