Indian golf icon Jeev Milkha Singh rolled back the years in emphatic fashion as he clinched the IGPL Invitational Sri Lanka in Colombo, bringing the inaugural season of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) to a memorable close.
The victory marked Jeev’s first professional title in 13 years, ending a drought that stretched back to his 2012 Scottish Open triumph and providing the fledgling league with a winner whose legacy transcends generations.
At the picturesque Royal Colombo Golf Course, the 54-year-old produced a masterclass in ball-striking and putting to outduel a field featuring both emerging talents and seasoned professionals. Starting the final round two shots behind overnight leader Aryan Roopa Anand, Jeev delivered a sublime closing round of 6-under 65 to finish at 15-under-par, edging Aryan by a single stroke.
Jeev’s final round was a study in patience and precision. After a modest second day, he spent extended time on the putting green, a decision that proved decisive. His iron play was razor-sharp, repeatedly leaving approach shots inside 5 to 10 feet, while his putter caught fire during a remarkable stretch where he carded five consecutive birdies and seven in a nine-hole run between the sixth and 14th. Once he surged ahead during that burst, he never relinquished control.
Aryan, who signed for a 68, fought bravely and gave himself an outside chance on the par-4 18th, needing an eagle to force a playoff. A birdie was the best he could manage, consigning him to a commendable second-place finish at 14-under.
The emotional weight of the victory was evident as Jeev was mobbed by friends and officials after the final putt dropped. For him, Colombo carried deep personal significance.
“I had never played in Sri Lanka before. It is an emotional moment for me. This is where my parents fell in love and began their relationship,” Jeev said, visibly moved. “We lost them in 2021, and I lost my will to play. In 2022, I decided I would play for them and win. I hope today’s win will put a smile on their faces.”
Jeev was generous in acknowledging the efforts behind the scenes, praising the Royal Colombo Golf Course and the IGPL organisers for delivering a high-quality event. His family was also present, with son Harjai competing as an amateur and wife Kudrat watching from the sidelines. Harjai finished tied 22nd, making it a special week for the Singh household.
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While Jeev lifted the trophy in Colombo, the season-long battle for the IGPL Order of Merit delivered its own drama. Pukhraj Singh Gill, despite finishing tied 12th in the final event, emerged as the inaugural Order of Merit champion by the narrowest of margins. After 11 events with a cumulative prize purse of ₹1.5 crore, Pukhraj finished less than ₹9,000 ahead of Aman Raj, underlining how fiercely contested the season had been.
Pukhraj amassed ₹81,90,652 over the season, edging Aman Raj’s ₹81,81,708.54. That slender advantage earned him significant rewards, including a berth at the US$2 million International Series event in India early next year and a start in an Asian Tour event offering Open Qualifying places. Gaganjeet Bhullar, who dominated the early part of the season with three wins, finished third on the Order of Merit with earnings of ₹81.30 lakh.
On the leaderboard in Colombo, Karandeep Kochhar finished third at 12-under, while SSP Chawrasia placed fourth at 11-under. Bhullar ended the week fifth at 10-under. Among the standout performers of the season, Veer Ganapathy continued his consistency with a seventh-place finish, while Pranavi Urs, winner of IGPL Mumbai, was the top woman finisher tied eighth at 8-under and emerged as the highest-earning female professional of the season.
IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundy summed up the significance of Jeev’s win aptly, calling it the perfect way to end the league’s first year. With a legend reclaiming glory and a tightly fought Order of Merit race, the IGPL’s inaugural season concluded with momentum, credibility, and a powerful statement about Indian golf’s depth and future.
