Phillaur (Punjab), March 5 Rajesh Kumar Gautam won the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club here on Thursday, prevailing in a three-way playoff.
Rajesh (70-67-70), an Army man based in Lucknow, defeated 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 finished 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 and Aditya, who were both tied third overnight, one shot behind the leader, scored two-under 69 in the last 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, while Pankaj made par after finding the rough twice.
Rajesh's second win on the NexGen earned him a winning cheque of Rs 3,17,875, moving him into third place in the DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit.
Aditya, who finished joint runner-up alongside Pankaj 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 entering the playoff.
Gautam made an early bogey on the second hole but bounced back 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 remained in contention with pars on the last three holes.
"My driving and iron play were particularly strong 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. The playoff was a test of nerves, and I managed to stay calm and come through at the end," said Rajesh.
"This win is a big confidence boost for me. It helps me set my sights on winning the NexGen Order of Merit this year, which would enable me to secure a spot on the main tour for next season. I would like to thank the 60 Engineer Regiment, my unit in the Indian Army, for all their support," he added.
Swatanter Kumar, a professional based in Phillaur, finished tied 36th at seven-over 220.
