Aman Raj ended a long and testing wait for victory as he produced a calm, assured final round to clinch the IGPL Invitational Jaipur title by two shots on Saturday.
The 30-year-old from Patna, now based in Gurgaon, held off a strong challenge from rising star Kartik Singh to complete a wire-to-wire triumph and secure his third win in Jaipur, following his earlier successes in 2018 and 2023. Aman carded rounds of 61, 61, and 68 for a 20-under total, finishing two clear of Kartik (18-under), who fired a closing 66. Despite entering the final day with a healthy lead, Aman needed all his experience and composure to fend off Kartik’s spirited charge on the back nine.
“It’s been a long-awaited win and means a lot because of the injuries and the many changes in life and career,” Aman said after his victory. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position. I guess I’ve finally figured out how to play through off days and manage the pressure better. This one feels special.”
Aman Raj started the final round at 18-under and quickly reasserted control with an opening birdie. Although he dropped a shot on the fourth hole, a blistering run of four consecutive birdies from the fifth to the eighth restored his cushion. Kartik, playing in the same group, responded with two birdies of his own but couldn’t match Aman’s consistency through the front nine. That early momentum gave Aman the breathing space he needed. By the turn, he had built a comfortable advantage but the young Kartik refused to give in, setting up an enthralling finish at the Rambagh Golf Club.
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Kartik Singh, who has now finished in the top 10 in four consecutive IGPL events, once again showcased his immense potential. The 18-year-old produced a sharp back-nine run, birdieing the 13th and 14th holes to narrow the gap after Aman stumbled with back-to-back bogeys on the 14th and 15th. With three holes remaining, the contest seemed wide open. However, a costly double bogey on the par-3 16th halted Kartik’s momentum. Despite a brave response with birdies on the final two holes, Aman’s steady pars were enough to see him home by two shots.
“Kartik was tenacious,” Aman said, praising the teenager’s performance. “Even though I dropped those two bogeys on the back nine, I knew I could pull it off. Then Kartik’s double bogey gave me breathing space. I didn’t want to stretch myself or put extra pressure I just focused on finishing clean.”
Aman also expressed his admiration for Kartik’s consistency. “Great show by Kartik a lot of wins are coming his way. Jaipur has been my lucky charm, and I’ll definitely look to carry this form into upcoming events.”
A Season of Comebacks
The victory marked Aman Raj’s first title in 22 months, ending a frustrating drought that had seen him come close several times without crossing the finish line. It was also his fourth consecutive top-10 finish on the IGPL Tour, reaffirming his return to form after an injury-hit phase. This season on the IGPL has already produced multiple champions, with Aman becoming the third different winner in four events following Gaganjeet Bhullar’s twin triumphs in Chandigarh and Jaypee Greens, and Kapil Kumar’s victory in Poona.
For Aman, this latest success represents more than just a trophy it’s validation of his perseverance and mental strength. His control over all three days, particularly the back-to-back 61s that set the tone for the tournament, underlined the class and experience that have long made him one of India’s most technically sound players. While Aman and Kartik dominated the narrative, there were strong performances across the board. Sachin Baisoya (65) and Tushar Pannu (63) finished tied for third at 17-under, each delivering aggressive final rounds to move up the standings.
Veteran Harendra Gupta followed closely in fifth with a 64, finishing at 16-under. Udayan Mane, making his IGPL debut, ended tied for sixth at 14-under after a steady 69, alongside Shat Mishra (64) and Sudhir Sharma (62). Among the amateurs, Rahul Ravi impressed with a 66 to finish at 8-under and tied for 21st, while Ridhima Dilawari, the top woman professional in the field, carded a 67 to end at 7-under and tied for 23rd.
The final day in Jaipur perfectly encapsulated the transition underway in Indian golf a blend of experienced campaigners like Aman Raj and the new wave represented by Kartik Singh. While Aman’s precision and composure stood out, Kartik’s fearless play and consistency in recent months continue to mark him as one of India’s most promising young golfers. The teenager has now finished in the top 10 in four straight IGPL events, including two runner-up results, and is edging ever closer to his maiden professional victory.
For Aman, this win will serve as a major confidence boost as the IGPL season gathers momentum. “It’s always special winning in Jaipur,” he said with a smile. “The city has been lucky for me, and I hope this form carries through the rest of the year.”
With his title drought finally behind him and his rhythm restored, Aman Raj looks ready to challenge consistently again at the top level. As for Kartik, another near miss only strengthens the growing belief that it’s a matter of when, not if, he will secure his first professional title.
The IGPL Invitational Jaipur had everything fans could ask for drama, resilience, and the story of redemption for one of India’s most technically gifted golfers.
Final Leaderboard (Top 6):
- Aman Raj – 61, 61, 68 (20-under)
- Kartik Singh – 66, 64, 66 (18-under)
- Sachin Baisoya – 65 (17-under)
- Tushar Pannu – 63 (17-under)
- Harendra Gupta – 64 (16-under)
- Udayan Mane, Shat Mishra, Sudhir Sharma – 14-under
With the Jaipur title in hand and his confidence back, Aman Raj’s 2025 season has finally found its turning point.
