Sukhraj Gill and Rajesh Gautam Share Leadership in PGTI NexGen 2026 After Round 2
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Phillaur (Punjab), March 4 (NationPress) In the second round of the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, Sukhraj Singh Gill and Rajesh Kumar Gautam emerged as co-leaders with a combined score of five-under 137 at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab.
Both players improved their positions significantly, moving from a tie for ninth with an initial score of one-under 70, to round two where they each carded a remarkable four-under 67.
Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, Pankaj Maandiya, Shaurya Sharma, and Md Muaj are tied for third place, each with a total of four-under 138. The cut was made at three-over 145, allowing the top 42 professionals to advance to the final round.
The young golfer Sukhraj Singh Gill, representing Canada, recorded an eagle along with four birdies and two bogeys in Round Two. Meanwhile, Lucknow's Rajesh Kumar Gautam, who claimed victory in the NexGen last year, achieved an eagle, three birdies, and a bogey.
Rajesh expressed, “Today, my hitting was outstanding. I managed to get three shots within three feet of the pin, converting them into birdies. I even made an eagle from the bunker on the 10th hole. However, I need to focus on my putting in the final round, as I missed several opportunities today, particularly on the front nine. I hope to avoid that in the concluding round.”
Local pro Swatanter Kumar also made the cut, finishing with a total of three-over 145 over two rounds.
The 2026 NexGen season will proceed with upcoming events at Lucknow Golf Club (March 10–12), Golden Greens Golf & Country Club in Gurugram (March 17–19), and Patna Golf Club (March 24–26).
The NexGen Tour was initiated by the PGTI last year to ensure equitable playing opportunities for all professional golfers in India and to bolster the competitive landscape in Indian golf. A key goal is to promote professional golf in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India, thereby broadening the sport's reach throughout the nation.