Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya Lead Round One at PGTI NexGen Open 2026
Synopsis
Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya set the pace in Round One of the PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026. Both players showcased remarkable skills at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club, each scoring three-under par. With a competitive field ahead, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the tournament.
Key Takeaways
Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya lead Round One with scores of three-under 68.
A total of 90 players are competing in the tournament.
The prize purse has increased to INR 25 lakh this season.
The NexGen Tour aims to promote golf in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The next events will take place at Lucknow, Gurugram, and Patna.
Phillaur, March 3 (NationPress) - In an exciting start to the INR 25 lakh Professional Golf Tour of India's (PGTI) NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya emerged as joint leaders after Round One at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab, on Tuesday.
Both players registered impressive scores of three-under 68 on the Par-71 course, showcasing their skills at this second event of the 2026 DP World PGTI NexGen season.
Trailing closely behind, a group of six competitors found themselves tied for third place with scores of two-under 69. This group included Imran’s brother, Irfan Ali Mollah, along with Md Muaj, Krishna Verma, Rohit Boken, Ajay, and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal.
During his first round, Imran Ali Mollah achieved five birdies and two bogeys, while Pankaj Maandiya also made five birdies but suffered a double-bogey.
This thrilling 54-hole event features a competitive field of 90 players, with the top 35 and ties making the cut after round two, scheduled for Wednesday.
The NexGen Tour, initiated by PGTI last year, aims to provide equitable playing opportunities to all professional golfers across India. It seeks to bolster the strength of Indian golf, enhancing competitiveness and the overall quality of the sport. Additionally, it aims to promote professional golf in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, broadening the sport's reach throughout the nation.
This season, the prize purse for each NexGen event has been increased from INR 20 lakh to INR 25 lakh.
The upcoming NexGen events are scheduled at Lucknow Golf Club (March 10 – 12), Golden Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurugram (March 17 – 19), and Patna Golf Club (March 24 – 26).
The Professional Golf Tour of India serves as the official governing body for men's professional golf in India and is a recognized member of the International Golf Federation and the International Federation of PGA Tours.
Point of View
The PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026 is a significant event for Indian golf, showcasing talent and promoting the sport across various regions. The tour's commitment to inclusivity and growth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities is commendable, and the increased prize purse reflects the growing interest in professional golf in India.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the NexGen Phillaur Open?
The NexGen Phillaur Open is a 54-hole tournament featuring a field of 90 players, with the top 35 and ties making the cut after round two.
Where is the NexGen Phillaur Open being held?
The tournament is taking place at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab.
What is the prize purse for the NexGen events this season?
The prize purse for each NexGen event has been increased to INR 25 lakh this season.
How many players are in contention for the title?
Currently, 90 players are competing in the NexGen Phillaur Open.
When will the next NexGen events take place?
The next events are scheduled at Lucknow Golf Club from March 10 to 12, Golden Greens Golf & Country Club from March 17 to 19, and Patna Golf Club from March 24 to 26.
