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Khalin Joshi leads by 3 shots at Andhra Open, eyes first win in 4 years

Khalin Joshi carded a one-under 70 to extend his lead to three shots after the third round of the Andhra Open 2026. He sits at seven-under 206, recovering from an early struggle with a crucial eagle on the 12th hole. Yash Majmudar and Rashid Khan are tied for second at four-under, with Rashid firing the day's best round of 67. Joshi is now in prime position to end a four-year winless run and claim his seventh professional title.

Key Points: Khalin Joshi leads Andhra Open 2026 by three shots

  • Khalin Joshi leads at 7-under
  • Yash Majmudar & Rashid Khan tied 2nd
  • Joshi recovered from shaky start with eagle
  • Final round for 7th pro title
3 min read

Andhra Open 2026: Khalin Joshi extends lead to three shots on Day 3

Khalin Joshi extends lead to three shots at Andhra Open 2026. Yash Majmudar and Rashid Khan tied for second. Final round set for East Point Golf Club.

"I've been in such situations before, so I know that I just need to be in my zone and play good golf shots - Khalin Joshi"

Visakhapatnam, April 9

Khalin Joshi carded a one-under 70 to extend his lead to three shots at seven-under 206 after round three of the INR 1 crore Andhra Open 2026 at the East Point Golf Club in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The Bengaluru-based 33-year-old Khalin, a six-time winner, who opened the week at the PGTI event with rounds of 68 and 68, now carries a comfortable advantage into the final round.

The Dubai-based Yash Majmudar (71-69-69) and Delhi's Rashid Khan (70-72-67) were tied second at four-under 209. Majmudar returned a 69, while Rashid produced the day's best round of 67 to move into contention.

Joshi's round was defined by a strong recovery after a shaky start that included three three-putts early on. He bounced back with a tap-in birdie on the seventh after his approach shot left him inches from the hole, and then delivered a crucial eagle on the par-5 12th, where he sank a 15-footer.

"I didn't get off to a good start, but I stayed patient and trusted my ball-striking. I'm driving it well and hitting my irons solid, so I just need to keep the putter going. I'm proud of the way I handled myself on the course despite the poor start and fought back on the back nine. Going into the final round, I've been in such situations before, so I know that I just need to be in my zone and play good golf shots, and that should take care of everything else," Joshi said.

The par-5 seventh has been adjusted to a 477-yard par-4, bringing the course par down to 71.

Majmudar, a San Diego University graduate, continued to impress with his unconventional one-handed chipping technique and looked set to close within two shots before a bogey on the final hole dropped him back into a tie for second.

Rashid, a two-time Asian Tour winner, surged into contention with a strong penultimate round of 67, which included an eagle, five birdies, and three bogeys. Kolkata's Viraj Madappa (69-71-71), the youngest Indian winner on the Asian Tour and a winner on the DP World PGTI last season, was tied fourth at two-under 211 alongside Greater Noida's Arjun Sharma (71-70-70), who has been one of the consistent performers on the DP World PGTI.

Joshi, currently 55th on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, is now in a prime position to end a four-year winless run, with his last title coming in Coimbatore in August 2022. With a three-shot advantage, Joshi will look to hold his nerve in the final round as he targets his seventh professional title.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Really impressed with the depth of talent on display. Rashid Khan's 67 to move into contention is fantastic. The competition is heating up! Good for Indian golf.
V
Vikram M
A three-shot lead is good, but final day pressure is different. Joshi needs to avoid the early three-putts he had today. Fingers crossed for the Bengaluru boy!
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Priya S
Love that the tournament is in Vizag! East Point is a beautiful course. It's wonderful to see such high-profile sporting events happening in Andhra Pradesh. Boosts local economy and tourism.
Y
Yash G
Majmudar's one-handed chipping technique is so unique! Shows innovation in our players. Pity about his bogey on the last, but he's still in it. Exciting final round ahead.
R
Rashid Khan
With respect, while the coverage is good, I wish the article gave a bit more insight into the course changes. How is the par-4 seventh playing? That's a strategic shift that affects everyone's game plan.
K
Kavya N
So proud of all our golfers! The PGTI is really growing. An INR 1 crore prize is significant. Hope this inspires more kids to take up golf beyond the traditional

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