Champion Yuvraj Sandhu receives the trophy and cheque from Mr. Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI (right) and Mr. Noorallah Patel, GM, Clover Greens Golf Course and Resort (left)
Yuvraj Sandhu of Chandigarh cemented his status as a Scottie Scheffler-type dominant force on the domestic circuit, as he recorded his 4th victory and 2nd consecutive win last week as he prevailed over Olympian Udayan Mane in a five-hole playoff to clinch the INR 1 crore PGTI Players Championship 2025 at Clover Greens Golf Course & Resort, on the outskirts of Bangalore.
The 28-year-old, who won last week in Mysuru with a record four day total score of 31 under par, this week carded 63-67-61-65 for a total of 28-under par totalling 59 under par in two record setting weeks. Sandhu has a commanding lead on the 2025 PGTI Order of Merit money list with total earnings so far of INR 88.67 lakh with a good part of the season yet to come.
PGTI’s Push for Fan Engagement
Beyond the fairways, the PGTI was seen to be actively building deeper connections with fans through an innovative digital game for fans called Pro Picks which has only been deployed in the past on the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour.
PGTI Pro Picks: A first-of-its-kind online game where fans register and vote for their favourite golfers in each group to win a closest to pin contest or score a birdie on a particular par 3 , the concept is to engage fans during the live stream broadcast.
This is a welcome initiative which can draw in both golf and non golf fans to following pro golf. The game can support an unlimited number of gamers and can either be completed in one shot through pre selection of players in each three-ball or can be done as each group approaches the par 3 tee-box during the live streaming on Youtube.
These efforts are a much needed value addition to the PGTI to reach and attract youngsters. Over a period of time the names of players and what they look like will be recognisable – a key factor in building fan following and loyalty.
Measurable metrics of fan following online can translate to higher value for PGTI’s sponsors and has the potential to further boost the PGTI at a time when prize money has already skyrocketed in the past two years and is expected to further rise in 2026. This reflects PGTI’s vision of transforming golf in India into a more interactive and emotionally engaging sport, ensuring fans feel invested in both the players and the Tour.
Mane, who won the 2021 PGTI Money List title, chasing his first win since Dec. 2021, matched Sandhu in regulation with a pair of 62s on the weekend before falling just short in the playoff. Delhi’s Kshitij Naveed Kaul finished third at 19-under, while teenager Veer Ganapathy claimed the amateur honours.
Sandhu’s back-to-back triumphs now raise the next big question: can he carry this form onto the Asian Tour while ensuring he finishes No. 1 on the PGTI money list to secure a DP World Tour card?
Photo – PGTI