Gaganjeet Bhullar wins IGPL Hyderabad Invitational 2026, claims 5th IGPL title
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gaganjeet Bhullar of Chennai Lions GC clinched the IGPL Krishna Invitational 2026 title at The Hyderabad Golf Club on 10 October 2026, finishing at 14-under-par 196 to pocket a winner's cheque of ₹22.6 lakh. The victory is Bhullar's fifth IGPL title, cementing his status as the most decorated champion in the league's short history.
How the Title Unfolded
Bhullar, an Arjuna Awardee and record 11-time Asian Tour winner, had shared the lead with Karandeep Kochhar of Punjab Raptors GC heading into the final round. He pulled clear over the closing stretch to finish as the outright champion, extending his lead over the field at the Hyderabad Golf Club. The win adds a fifth IGPL crown to a career that already includes four previous league titles.
Runners-Up and Prize Money
Karandeep Kochhar and C. Muniyappa finished tied for second place, each receiving a cheque of ₹12.75 lakh. The prize distribution ceremony was presided over by Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, marking the tournament's significance beyond the sport itself.
What the Winners Said
Accepting his trophy, Bhullar reflected on a personal milestone: 'Coming back to Hyderabad after a gap of 12 years, I really enjoyed the golf course, and the conditions were very good. Special thanks to IGPL. We started this journey with the IGPL last year. A special thanks to Sumit Passi, owner of Krishna Punjab Raptors GC and host of the Krishna Invitational 2026 IGPL Hyderabad at The Hyderabad Golf Club. Hopefully this is not the last time.'
Shiv Kapur, Asian Games gold medallist and three-time Asian Tour winner, underlined the league's broader ambitions: 'We've had a great start, and we want to take this tournament global, bring players from across the world, and take it to greater heights.'
Bhaskar Reddy, President of the Hyderabad Golf Association, described the week as a landmark for local golf: 'This has been a true golf festival for Hyderabad. I have been playing golf for 35 years, and I have never seen a Pro-Am like this. It is a unique privilege for amateur golfers anywhere in the country.'
What Comes Next for IGPL Season 2
With the Hyderabad leg now wrapped up, IGPL Season 2 moves to Vizag for its next stop, scheduled from 3 to 5 November 2026. The league's ambition to attract international talent and expand its footprint will face its next test there. Notably, the Pro-Am format — which drew praise from the Hyderabad Golf Association — appears set to remain a defining feature of each leg.