Champion Varun Parikh (centre) receives the trophy from Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI (right) and Col. A S Dhillon, GM, Panchkula Golf Club (left)
After a thrilling contest at the 2024 Haryana Open, Ahmedabad’s young Varun Parikh edged out Bengaluru’s veteran Rahil Gangjee in a dramatic playoff at the Panchkula Golf Club to claim his second professional title. The two golfers finished tied at 17-under 271 after 72 holes, but Parikh eventually emerged victorious on the fourth playoff hole, securing the win in the INR 1 crore event.
Parikh, who posted rounds of 64, 71, 67, and 69, collected INR 15 lakh in prize money and jumped from 48th to 16th in the TATA Steel PGTI Rankings. Gangjee, with scores of 63, 71, 67, and 70, was left ruing his missed opportunity after the closely-fought final round.
Parikh sank a 30-foot birdie on 17th and a vital 10-foot par putt on the 18th to force the playoff.
This victory marks Parikh’s return to the winner’s circle after his win at the Kapil Dev – Grant Thornton Invitational played at DLF Golf Club in 2022, a tournament which has abruptly been taken off the PGTI calendar after reappearing in 2023.
Photo – PGTI