The AM Green Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) shifts to one of Africa’s most iconic venues this week, with the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club set to host the South African leg of the circuit.
As the third event of the 2026 season and the second stop in the African swing, the tournament brings together a strong field of Indian professionals led by Sachin Baisoya and Gaganjeet Bhullar in what promises to be a compelling contest.
Played on the par-72 West Course at the historic venue, the event marks another step in IGPL’s attempt to globalise Indian professional golf. With a schedule spanning 15 events across the season, the Johannesburg stop represents a critical phase in both individual rankings and team standings.
Baisoya Carries Momentum, Bhullar Brings Experience
Sachin Baisoya arrives in Johannesburg with renewed confidence after clinching his maiden IGPL title in Mauritius last week. Long regarded as one of the most consistent performers on the domestic circuit, Baisoya had often come close without converting opportunities into victories. His breakthrough win not only lifted that burden but also propelled him to the top of the individual standings with earnings of Rs. 32.1 lakh.
Now leading the field, Baisoya faces a different challenge backing up a victory with another strong performance. The transition from contender to frontrunner often defines a player’s trajectory, and this week offers an opportunity to consolidate his position.
Standing in his way is the vastly experienced Gaganjeet Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour winner and one of India’s most decorated golfers. Bhullar, who won the season-opening event in Chandigarh, currently sits second in the standings and brings both pedigree and familiarity with international conditions.
The contrast between Baisoya’s recent momentum and Bhullar’s experience sets up one of the most intriguing rivalries of the week.
Beyond the headline pairing, the field features several players capable of contending. Teenager Veer Ganapathy, who led for two rounds in Mauritius before finishing runner-up, continues to impress with his composure and shot-making ability. His rapid rise has been one of the standout stories of the season.
Karandeep Kochhar, fresh off a top-five finish at the International Series in Japan, brings strong recent form, while Aman Raj and Pukhraj Singh Gill add further depth as proven performers on the IGPL circuit. The experienced Shiv Kapur also returns to a venue where he has previously come close to success, having finished runner-up at the South African Open in 2010. His familiarity with local conditions could prove advantageous.
Other notable names in the field include Udayan Mane, Chiragh Kumar, Gaurav Ghei, and C Muniyappa, ensuring a competitive and balanced field.
Women Golfers Add Competitive Edge
A distinctive feature of the IGPL is its integrated format, with women golfers competing alongside men. The Johannesburg event includes 10 women players from the Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) circuit, adding another dimension to the competition. Leading the women’s field are Vani Kapoor, Ridhima Dilawari, Vidhatri Urs, and Neha Tripathi, all of whom bring strong domestic and international experience.
Young talents such as Mannat Brar and Heena Kang will also be in focus as they look to make an impact against a strong field.
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Alongside individual honours, the IGPL’s team-based format continues to add strategic complexity to the competition. Phoenix Hyderabad, featuring Baisoya, currently leads the team standings following their strong performance in Mauritius. They are closely followed by Atri Mumbai, led by Aman Raj and supported by players like Aadil Bedi and Udayan Mane, while RVR Delhi featuring Shiv Kapur, Gaurav Ghei, and Chiragh Kumar sits third.
The team competition is determined by the cumulative scores of the two best cards each day from a four-member team, making consistency across the squad crucial. With points awarded based on finishing positions at each event, the Johannesburg leg could significantly alter the leaderboard. The Royal Johannesburg Golf Club, particularly its West Course, presents a unique challenge. Designed in 1927 and measuring approximately 6800 yards, the course combines wide fairways with strategically placed hazards, demanding precision off the tee and control on approach shots.
Tree-lined layouts, undulating terrain, and water hazards add to the complexity, while the recently upgraded greens and bunkers ensure that putting will play a decisive role. Historically, the venue has hosted prestigious events such as the South African Open and the Joburg Open, underscoring its status as one of the premier golfing destinations in the southern hemisphere.
As the IGPL season progresses, the Johannesburg event assumes greater significance. With multiple contenders in strong form and the team standings beginning to take shape, performances this week could influence the trajectory of the season. For Baisoya, it is an opportunity to extend his lead and establish himself as the player to beat. For Bhullar and the chasing pack, it is a chance to close the gap and reassert their credentials.
More broadly, the event highlights IGPL’s ambition to create a global platform for Indian golf, combining competitive excellence with a modern, inclusive format. As the action unfolds at Royal Johannesburg, the focus will remain on execution, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under pressure hallmarks of success at the highest level.
