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Sukhraj Gill & Rajesh Gautam Lead PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open After Round 2

Sukhraj Singh Gill and Rajesh Kumar Gautam share the lead at five-under par after the second round of the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026. Both players shot rounds of 67 to move up from a tied ninth position overnight. Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, Pankaj Maandiya, Shaurya Sharma, and Md Muaj are closely behind in a tie for third. The tournament aims to expand professional golf's reach in India by hosting events in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Key Points: PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open: Gill, Gautam Share Lead After Round 2

  • Joint leaders at 5-under 137
  • Four players tied for third at 4-under
  • Cut line set at 3-over 145
  • Focus shifts to final round putting
2 min read

PGTI NexGen 2026: Sukhraj Gill, Rajesh Gautam share lead after Round 2 in Phillaur Open

Sukhraj Singh Gill and Rajesh Kumar Gautam lead at 5-under 137. Aditya Raj Singh Chahal among four tied third at 4-under. Cut set at 3-over 145.

"My hitting was exceptional today. I landed three shots within three feet of the pin that all produced birdies. - Rajesh Kumar Gautam"

Phillaur, March 4

Sukhraj Singh Gill and Rajesh Kumar Gautam held the joint lead at a total of five-under 137 after round two of the DP World PGTI NexGen Phillaur Open 2026, which will be played at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab.

Sukhraj (70-67) and Rajesh (70-67), who were both overnight tied ninth, followed up their first-round scores of one-under 70 with scores of four-under 67 in round two, to move into the joint lead.

Aditya Raj Singh Chahal, Pankaj Maandiya, Shaurya Sharma, and Md Muaj were all placed tied third at a total of four-under 138. The cut went at three-over 145. The top 42 professionals made the cut for the third and final round.

Teenager Sukhraj Singh Gill, who hails from Canada, made an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys during Round Two, while Lucknow-based Rajesh Kumar Gautam, a winner on the NexGen last year, made an eagle, three birdies and a bogey on Wednesday.

Rajesh Kumar Gautam said, "My hitting was exceptional today. I landed three shots within three feet of the pin that all produced birdies. I also holed an eagle from the bunker on the 10th. However, the focus in the final round will be on my putting as I missed a lot of putts today, especially on the front nine. I don't want to repeat that come the last round."

Phillaur-based professional Swatanter Kumar made the cut as he totalled three-over 145 after two rounds.

The 2026 NexGen season will continue with the next three events to be played at Lucknow Golf Club (March 10-12), Golden Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurugram (March 17-19), and Patna Golf Club (March 24-26).

The NexGen Tour was launched by the PGTI last year to provide equal playing opportunities to all professional golfers of India and to increase the bench strength in Indian golf, which in turn increases competition and the level of golf. The NexGen also aims to take professional golf to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, thus expanding the reach of the sport within the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Sukhraj Singh Gill representing Canada but with roots here! It's fantastic to see the diaspora connection in sports. Rajesh Gautam's comment about his putting shows real professionalism. The final round is going to be tight!
R
Rohit P
Bhai, eagle from the bunker on the 10th!? Rajesh Gautam is in some serious form. Hope a local lad from Punjab can take the title. Good to see Swatanter Kumar made the cut as well. All the best!
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Priya S
While it's great to see new talent, I hope the PGTI ensures proper coverage and promotion for these events. Golf often feels like an elite sport; making it accessible through broadcasts or affordable tickets in these tier 2/3 cities is key to its growth.
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Vikram M
The concept of the NexGen Tour is brilliant. Building a strong pipeline of players is how we will produce more champions like Anirban Lahiri. The competition looks fierce with so many players within a shot or two. May the best golfer win!
M
Michael C
Impressive scoring from the leaders. Shooting 67 on a competitive course is no small feat. The schedule looks packed with events back-to-back. That's a real test of a professional's stamina and skill. Good luck to all.

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