Gaganjeet Bhullar registered his best-ever finish on the Asian Tour OOM
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who, internationally, has been one of the few bright spots for Indian men’s pro golf in 2023, finished third, his best ever season ending rank on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
In 2023, Bhullar, based in Chandigarh, played a total of 19 tournaments, registered a win at the BNI Indonesian Masters last month, and five other top-10 finishes in the season to accumulate a total earnings of US$ 533615 (₹4.4 cr).
Now the leading Indian in terms of Asian Tour victories, with 11, ended the season strongly shooting 11-under 273 following rounds of 76-64-68-65 for a tied-10th finish at the US$ 1mn Saudi Open, the season-ending tournament at Riyadh Golf Club.
In Saudi, Veer Ahlawat of Gurgaon, who has also enjoyed a good season stood tied-3rd overnight following rounds of 70-67-66, but shot a final round 73 to finish tied-18th at 8-under 276.
Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, who has earned full playing rights on the Asian Tour in 2024, carded tied-23rd at a total score of 7-under 277.
Chikkarangappa was 32nd while Ajeetesh Sandhu, who is due to wed pro golfer Tvesa Malik next week, was 65th.
Indians who missed the cut at 2-over 144 included –
Rashid Khan – 76-70(+4)
Karandeep Kochhar – 73-73(+4)
Honey Baisoya – 73(RTD)
Players who finished inside the top-65 on the Asian Tour final 2023 rankings have retained their full playing rights for the 2024 season.
Player OOM Ranking
Gaganjeet Bhullar 3
Karandeep Kochhar 18
Chikkarangappa S. 20
Rashid Khan 34
Veer Ahlawat 52
Ajeetesh Sandhu finished 66th on the rankings but has earned a medical exemption for the upcoming season. Now all he has to do is make one cut early in the next season to regain his full status on the tour.
Photo – Asian Tour