Rajesh Kumar Gautam emerged victorious in a playoff to clinch the PGTI Phillaur Open 2026 at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club. He secured the win after a three-way playoff with Pankaj Maandiya and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, ending the regulation 54 holes with matching totals of six-under 207.
Gautam, who was the joint leader overnight, carded a one-under 70 in the final round, including three birdies and two bogeys. He sealed the victory on the third playoff hole with a birdie. Maandiya and Chahal, who were tied third overnight, also joined the playoff after shooting two-under 69 in the final round.
In the playoff, Aditya’s challenge ended on the first hole with a par, while Rajesh secured the win with a birdie on the third playoff hole. This victory on the NexGen moved Rajesh into third place in the 2026 DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit.
Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, the joint runner-up with Pankaj Maandiya, now leads the NexGen Order of Merit with season’s earnings of Rs 4,87,000. Sunny Singh finished fourth at three-under 210, while Rajesh, a previous NexGen winner, had a rollercoaster final round before heading into the playoff.
Gautam mentioned, “My driving and iron play were key this week. Despite a poor start in the final round, I focused on hitting close to the flag to stay in contention. Winning this boosts my confidence and sets my sights on the NexGen Order of Merit title this year.”
