Colombo, 25 December (H.S.): Indian golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh produced a stellar performance to close the inaugural season of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) in memorable fashion. The 54-year-old veteran captured the IGPL Invitational Sri Lanka title, outclassing both seasoned and young competitors — securing his first professional tournament victory in 13 years.

Competing at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Jeev fired a brilliant final-round 6-under 65, finishing with an aggregate of 15-under-par to lift the trophy by a single stroke over Aryan Roopa Anand, who carded a 68 to settle for second place at 14-under.

After a modest showing on the second day, Jeev devoted nearly half an hour to extra putting practice — a move that proved decisive. He went on a stunning run, carding five consecutive birdies from the 6th to the 10th hole, and seven birdies in nine holes between the 6th and 14th holes, a streak that secured his lead until the very end.

An emotional Jeev dedicated his win to his parents, saying, “I had never played in Sri Lanka before, and this place means a lot to me. It’s where my parents first met and began their life’s journey. After losing them in 2021, I lost the desire to play, but in 2022 I decided to play — and win — for them. I hope this victory brings a smile to their faces today.”

Jeev also praised the Royal Colombo Golf Course and the IGPL organizing team, calling the event “world-class” and symbolic of growing opportunities for Indian golf across Asia.

Pukhraj Singh Gill Wins Order of Merit

Although Pukhraj Singh Gill finished tied for 12th place in this tournament, his consistent performances throughout the season earned him victory in the IGPL Order of Merit. After 11 tournaments, Gill amassed total earnings of ₹81,90,652, narrowly edging out Aman Raj, whose total stood at ₹81,81,708.54, by less than ₹9,000.

With his Order of Merit triumph, Pukhraj secured a berth in next year’s US$2 million International Series, to be held in India. He will also gain entry into an event on the Asian Tour that includes Open Qualifying berths, marking a significant step in his professional career.

Other Notable Performances

Karandeep Kochhar (65) finished third at 12-under-par, while veteran SSP Chawrasia (69) claimed fourth at 11-under. Gaganjeet Bhullar (68), who began the IGPL season with two consecutive victories, settled for fifth at 10-under.Local amateur Kaya Daluwatte (71) delivered a strong performance to finish sixth at 9-under, while Veer Ganpati, one of the season’s breakout stars, also closed at 9-under to take seventh place.

Among the women’s players, Pranavi Urs—winner of the IGPL Mumbai event—finished tied for eighth at 8-under, emerging as the top female golfer of the tournament.

A Fitting Finish to the Inaugural Season

The IGPL Invitational in Colombo marked a fitting conclusion to the league’s maiden season, which has been hailed as a pathbreaker for Indian professional golf. Jeev Milkha Singh’s commanding yet emotional victory added a storybook ending to the series, proving that experience, determination, and legacy still reign supreme in sport.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar