PGTI Nexgen: Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya Take the Honors in Round One

(MENAFN- IANS) Phillaur, March 3 (IANS) Imran Ali Mollah and Pankaj Maandiya took the lead in Round One of the INR 2.5 million Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) NexGen Phillaur Open 2026 presented by R S Gill, played at the Ranjitgarh Golf Club in Phillaur, Punjab on Tuesday.

Imran and Pankaj shot scores of three-under 68 at the Par-71 course to share the lead at the second event of the 2026 DP World PGTI NexGen season.

A group of six players tied for third place at two-under 69. The six players included joint leader Imran’s brother, Irfan Ali Mollah, Md Muaj, Krishna Verma, Rohit Boken, Ajay, and Aditya Raj Singh Chahal.

While Imran Ali Mollah recorded five birdies and two bogeys in his first round, Pankaj Maandiya made five birdies and a double bogey.

The 54-hole event features a field of 90 players. The top 35 players and ties will make the cut after round two on Wednesday.

The NexGen Tour was launched by the PGTI last year with the goal of providing equal playing opportunities to all professional golfers in India and increasing the depth of talent in Indian golf, which in turn boosts competition and the level of play. NexGen also aims to bring professional golf to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities across India, expanding the sport’s reach within the country.

The prize purse for each NexGen event has been increased from INR 20 lakh to INR 25 lakh this season.

The NexGen season will include the next three events: at Lucknow Golf Club (March 10–12), Golden Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurugram (March 17–19), and Patna Golf Club (March 24–26).

The Professional Golf Tour of India is the official governing and sanctioning body for men’s professional golf in India and is a recognized member of the International Golf Federation and the International Federation of PGA Tours.