Gaganjeet Bhullar turned a potentially costly final-round stumble into another demonstration of his winning instinct, holing a 40-foot putt in the playoff to defeat Sachin Baisoya and claim the Maritime Invitational at East Point Golf Course.
The dramatic finish delivered Bhullar his second successive AM Green IGPL victory, third title of the season and record-extending sixth overall. More remarkably, those six wins have come in only 13 appearances, giving him a victory rate of more than 46 per cent.
Bhullar entered the shortened final round six strokes clear after dominating the opening two days in difficult conditions. His advantage disappeared when Baisoya produced the day’s best score, a seven-under effort over 16 holes, to reach 10-under.
The leader struggled to convert several birdie opportunities but remained patient enough to return a one-under round and force extra holes.
Baisoya played first around the playoff green, but his chip ran beyond the flag. Bhullar then ended the contest immediately by converting the long birdie putt.
The result continued Bhullar’s extraordinary record on the fledgling circuit. He won three times in five starts during the 2025 season and has now added three victories from eight appearances in 2026. He has finished inside the top five in 11 of those 13 career starts.
His 2026 campaign has included victories in Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The latest success also strengthened his position at the top of the IGPL standings, with season earnings of approximately ₹80.88 lakh. Baisoya remains second on the money list with ₹59.60 lakh.
The title adds another layer to the career of India’s most successful golfer on the Asian Tour. Bhullar’s 11 victories on that circuit are the most by an Indian, but his influence on the IGPL has been even more pronounced. He has combined regular winning performances with a leading role for Vimtra Chennai Lions.
M Dharma made a strong final-day move of his own, shooting six-under to finish alone in third place at six-under. His round was bettered only by Baisoya’s seven-under charge.
Bhullar’s individual victory also carried Chennai Lions to the team title at 14-under.
Rain dictated much of the week in Visakhapatnam, reducing the second round to 14 holes and the final round to 16. Bhullar nevertheless adapted to every version of the course presented to him.
After building the tournament’s largest advantage through precision and controlled approach play, he ultimately required one decisive putt to secure the trophy.
Six wins from 13 starts is already an exceptional return. The manner of the latest one, achieved after losing a six-shot cushion and responding with a 40-foot playoff putt, further established Bhullar as the standard against which success on the IGPL is measured.
Photo – IGPL
