Jamshedpur, Nov 7 (NationPress) Pukhraj Singh Gill achieved his first professional victory with an impressive performance at the IGPL Invitational Jamshedpur. Over the course of three rounds, he finished with a stunning total of 23-under, recording just one bogey throughout the event and winning by a remarkable margin of nine shots.

Chinnaswamy Muniyappa (64) came in second place, marking his best finish of the IGPL Tour 2025 with a total score of 14-under.

Sachin Baisoya (69), who was in second place overnight, fell to third despite making a late eagle, marking his third third-place finish in six events. Harendra Gupta, Saarthak Chibber, and Sudhir Sharma tied for fourth with a score of 12-under, while Aryan Roopa Anand secured seventh place at 11-under.

Shat Mishra, Yashas Chandra, and Tushar Pannu were tied for eighth, completing the Top-10 at 10-under. Chiragh Kumar, a former Asian Tour champion returning from injuries, finished 11th at nine-under.

Pukhraj's victory in this sixth event of the IGPL Tour moved him into second place on the IGPL Order of Merit with earnings exceeding Rs. 48,81,382, now challenging the leader Aman Raj (Rs. 60,48,858). Kartik Singh (Rs. 47,67,857) is currently in third. Aman Raj finished 17th in Jamshedpur, while Kartik was tied for 12th.

Starting the final round with a commanding seven-shot lead, Pukhraj maintained his focus and consistency throughout. After rounds of 9-under 63 and 8-under 64, he added a phenomenal bogey-free 66 to conclude the tournament at 23-under. Chinnaswamy Muniyappa, a former Indian Open champion, climbed from a tied-seventh position to finish as runner-up, achieving the day's best score of 8-under 64.

For Pukhraj, who had previously finished second at IGPL Jaypee Greens, this win was a tremendous relief, as he expressed, “It’s hard to describe at the moment. It’s beyond all elation, all the synonyms of happy and excited — just incredible to finally get my first professional victory.”

He also shared, “There was a lot of uncharted territory for me because I didn’t know what it would feel like or what it would take to get it done. The way I was able to handle myself out there is just unbelievable.”

Reflecting on advice from Gaganjeet Bhullar, Pukhraj recounted, “Interestingly, I was runner-up a few weeks ago when Gaganjeet, one of the golfers I’ve always looked up to, said, ‘You’re going to win many times this year.’ I was touched by his belief.”

“And for it to have really happened now feels great. Growing up, he was such an inspiration, and now competing alongside him on the IGPL and getting it done feels amazing.”

In the final round, Pukhraj scored three birdies on each side of the Beldih Golf Course, with his only bogey occurring on the 14th hole on the second day.

Pukhraj noted, “Throughout the three days, I realized the course really suited my game. I was able to capitalize on my distance off the tee — it’s a big asset for me — and the course design allowed me to use that to my advantage. That made a huge difference in how I performed this week.”

Looking forward, Pukhraj added, “I’m really excited for Mumbai — I love that golf course and the way my game’s going. This win really helps me get into every other tournament that follows. There was a big baggage I carried of not being able to win so far, and now it’s off my shoulders. I think there’ll be a little more freedom to play every event from here on.”

Muniyappa, who last won the Hero Indian Open in 2009, expressed happiness in securing second place, stating, “Pukhraj played very well and deserved to win. He is playing very well.”

On his performance, Muniyappa stated, “I am again playing well and have my confidence back. I drove the ball well, and I missed the right side, which was perfect. So from there, it was easy to go up and down. On hole number 11, I had a chip-in, so that was a timely fine, a brave guard. I played my game, taking each shot at a time. I’m not focusing on the scoring, just playing a good game — that’s it.”

The 48-year-old veteran, whose son has also participated in the IGPL as an amateur, added, “For the future, actually, this one gives me a little more freedom because we have no cuts. We get to play every tournament and earn prize money, so it’s a little freer and makes us feel secure. I am really enjoying the IGPL.”

Sachin Baisoya, who was second overnight, fell to third despite a late eagle. His round of 3-under 69 featured three birdies and an eagle against two bogeys. He has finished outside the Top-10 only once in six starts but is still on the hunt for his first IGPL win.

Harendra Gupta, Saarthak Chibber, and Sudhir Sharma tied for fourth at 12-under, while Aryan Roopa Anand secured seventh place alone at 11-under. Shat Mishra, Yashas Chandra, and Tushar Pannu were tied for eighth, rounding out the Top-10 at 10-under.

Chiragh Kumar, a former Asian Tour winner making a comeback from injuries, placed 11th at nine-under.