India’s golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh capped off the inaugural season of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) with an impressive victory at the IGPL Invitational Sri Lanka, the final event of the season.
Jeev, who hasn’t won a professional event since 2012, showcased his skill at the Royal Colombo Golf Course during this pivotal event. After a modest second day, he dedicated nearly thirty minutes to practice on the putting green. This focus paid off as he delivered exceptional putting performance coupled with outstanding iron play, hitting his approaches within 5-10 feet. At one point, he achieved five birdies in a row, totaling seven birdies within nine holes from the sixth to the 14th.
Beginning two shots behind Aryan Roopa Anand, Jeev, who celebrated his 54th birthday ten days prior, posted a closing round of 6-under 65 for a total score of 15-under, securing victory by one shot. Aryan, who scored a 68, needed to eagle the Par-4 18th hole to force a playoff but managed only a birdie, finishing at 14-under.
As Jeev celebrated his first IGPL title, Pukhraj Singh Gill, despite finishing tied for 12th, clinched the IGPL Order of Merit by a razor-thin margin over Aman Raj and Gaganjeet Bhullar. After 11 events with a prize purse of Rs. 1.5 crore and Rs. 22.50 lakh for the winner, Pukhraj finished less than Rs. 9,000 ahead of Aman Raj.
An emotional Jeev was surrounded by friends after his win, expressing both physical and emotional exhaustion. “I had never played in Sri Lanka before. It is an emotional moment for me. Because this is where my parents fell in love and began their relationship. My mother played volleyball, and my father was here for athletics. So, this is where their journey together began,” he shared, wiping away tears.
He reflected, “We lost them in 2021, and I lost my will to play, but a little later in 2022, I decided I would play for them and win. I hope today’s win will put a smile on their faces,” looking up towards the clear blue skies.
Jeev praised the course and the event’s team, stating, “The Royal Colombo Golf Course was amazing, and the whole team here did a great job, as did the IGPL team.”
His son, Harjai, participated as one of the amateur players, while Jeev’s wife, Kudrat, watched from the sidelines, having recently accompanied her son to junior and amateur events. Harjai finished tied for 22nd.
Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO of the IGPL, presented the trophy to Jeev and adorned him with the IGPL jacket, stating, “The IGPL could not have hoped for a better winner to end the season than Jeev Milkha Singh, a legend of the game worldwide. It was an amazing three days of display, and Jeev showed the youngsters, many of whom may not have even begun the sport when he last won at the 2012 Scottish Open, that he is indeed a champion for all time.” He added, “At the IGPL, we are proud that Jeev has put a stamp on it with such a splendid win.”
Jeev’s last professional victory was at the 2012 Scottish Open. Over his career, he has secured four wins on the European Tour, four on the Japan Tour, and six on the Asian Tour, with one of the Asian Tour victories co-sanctioned by the European Tour.
Jyoti Randhawa, who has competed alongside Jeev on various tours for over two decades, also made his IGPL debut in Colombo. He praised his friend, saying, “Jeev is an amazing player. I have been privileged to see him for so many years. His hunger and love for the game are still the same, and he has always wanted to win, as he showed that even today. He is an inspiration for everyone.” Randhawa’s son, Zoravar, played this week as an amateur, and both father and son finished tied for 24th.
Jeev had a rocky start, dropping a shot on the first hole, which he quickly rectified with a birdie on the second. After two pars, he dropped another shot on the fifth, but then exploded with five consecutive birdies from the sixth to the tenth, taking the lead and never looking back. He added two more birdies on the 12th and 14th holes, allowing him to finish with four pars to secure the win. Jeev’s victory marks a significant milestone, potentially making him the oldest winner on a professional tour, giving the IGPL a strong conclusion in its inaugural year.
Karandeep Kochhar, who has already secured his 2026 Asian Tour berth by finishing second on the Asian Development Tour, placed third with a score of 12-under after a round of 65. SSP Chawrasia finished fourth at 11-under after a late bogey (69), while Gaganjeet Bhullar, who began the IGPL Tour with two wins and added another in his third event, secured fifth place at 10-under.
Local amateur Kaya Daluwatte, who had a three-shot lead at one point in the third round, finished sixth at 9-under after shooting even par.
Veer Ganapathy, one of the standout players from the inaugural IGPL season, finished seventh with a score of nine-under, having shot under par on all three days.
Four players, including Aman Raj (71), who was in contention for the IGPL Order of Merit, finished tied for eighth at 8-under with Raghav Chugh (63), Pranavi Urs (66), and Kapil Kumar (68). Pranavi, winner of the IGPL Mumbai, was the top female finisher at tied for eighth.
Pukhraj (67), who celebrated his maiden professional win at IGPL Jamshedpur, missed a 4-foot birdie on his final hole to finish tied for 12th with Chiragh Kumar (72).
Nonetheless, that performance was sufficient for him to win the IGPL Order of Merit by a slim margin, earning Rs. 81,90,652, while Aman Raj, who enjoyed two victories this season, finished with Rs. 81,81,708.54—less than Rs. 9,000 shy of first place.
Gill will enjoy benefits that include a spot in the USD 2 million International Series in India early next year, as well as a position in an event with Open Qualifying berths on the Asian Tour.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who triumphed in his first three starts, earned Rs. 81,30,000, finishing third in the Order of Merit. Pranavi Urs, with Rs. 34,84,687, was the top woman professional earner of the season.
