Shaurya Bhattacharya triumphs in playoff at the Poona Club Open

Delhi’s Shaurya Bhattacharya produced a stunning final-round charge to upstage pre-tournament favourite Yuvraj Sandhu and capture the title at The Poona Club Open 2025, an INR 1 crore event on the PGTI.

Trailing by two shots overnight, the 22-year-old fired a flawless seven-under 64, the day’s best score, to tie Sandhu at 21-under 263, before clinching victory with a birdie on the playoff hole. It was Shaurya’s second win of the season and third overall, earning him ₹15 lakh and further consolidating his fourth spot on the PGTI Order of Merit.

Sandhu, who shot a closing 66, had looked set for his fifth win of the year before a bogey on the 18th allowed Shaurya back into contention. The Chandigarh pro settled for runner-up at 21-under, still extending his lead atop the merit standings.

“It was a thrilling day of golf,” said Bhattacharya. “I held my nerve and made some crucial putts, especially on 16 and the playoff hole. That made all the difference.”

Veer Ahlawat and Shivendra Singh Sisodia shared third at 12-under, while local favourite Rohan Dhole Patil finished 14th at six-under.

Photo – Champion Shaurya Bhattacharya (third from left) receives the winner’s cheque from Mr. Gaurav Gadhoke, President, The Poona Club Ltd. (fourth from left), and Mr. Ikram Khan, Past Captain & Golf Advisor, Poona Club Golf Course (second from left). Also seen in the picture (from left) are Mr. Sampath Chari, Tournament Director, PGTI; Mr. Indraneel Mujgule, Vice President, The Poona Club Ltd. (third from right); Mrs. Padmaja Shirke, Lady Captain, Poona Club Golf Course (second from right); and Mr. Jay Shirke, Captain, Poona Club Golf Course (extreme right) / PGTI