Sandhu, Danek Lead Chennai Open; IGPL to Ras Al Khaimah

Sandhu and Danek Pace Chennai Open First Round

India's Ajeetesh Sandhu and the Czech Republic's Stepan Danek share the lead after the opening round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open. Both players carded seven-under-par 65s at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course on 9 September. Sandhu, a 37-year-old former Asian Tour winner from Chandigarh, recorded eight birdies against a single bogey on the par-four 12th hole.

This performance follows his five previous victories on the DP World PGTI circuit. Danek, 29, completed a flawless round with seven birdies, securing his position at the top. He is currently competing in his third season on the DP World PGTI. Course conditions were affected by overnight rain, which softened the greens and fairways. Preferred lies were in effect for the round.

Close Contention in Chennai

The leaderboard shows tight competition, with three players just one stroke behind the leaders. Chandigarh's Jairaj Singh Sandhu delivered a bogey-free six-under 66, placing him in a tie for third. He shares this position with Delhi's Rashid Khan and Pawan Verma. Khan, 35, arrives in Chennai after securing a victory at the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks prior.

Ajeetesh Sandhu capitalised on scoring opportunities throughout his round, particularly on the 16th and 18th holes. He made birdies on both, despite finding greenside bunkers. This strong start sets the stage for a competitive tournament as players vie for the significant prize money. The Chennai Open continues to draw established talent and emerging players from the region.

Indian Golf Premier League Heads to UAE

The Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) season resumes on 23 September with its first event of the second half, held at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This marks the second time the UAE has hosted an IGPL event. The season commenced in Chandigarh earlier this year, followed by tournaments in Mauritius, South Africa, and Morocco.

Al Hamra Golf Club will serve as the home venue for the Chennai Lions team during this week’s competition. The league format continues to attract attention for its blend of team play and individual performance. This event expands the IGPL's footprint across key international golf destinations, reflecting its strategic growth.

Chennai Lions Feature Asian Tour Veteran

The Chennai Lions team will be led by Gaganjeet Bhullar, an 11-time Asian Tour winner and former Asian Games medallist. Bhullar brings significant experience to the franchise, having won four IGPL titles himself – three in 2025 and one in 2026. He will be joined by teammates Samarth Dwivedi, Yashas Chandra, and Harshjeet Sethi.

The IGPL format aims to provide a platform for both seasoned professionals and developing talent. The league's presence in Ras Al Khaimah offers local golf enthusiasts an opportunity to observe high-level competition. This event also allows players to compete on different course styles, adding variety to the tour schedule.

Outlook for Asian Professional Golf

These tournaments demonstrate the continued expansion and regional focus of professional golf in Asia and the Middle East. The Chennai Open, with its substantial prize purse, reinforces the DP World PGTI's role in developing Indian talent and providing competitive playing opportunities.

For travelling golfers, the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course, hosting a professional event, offers a benchmark for course quality and challenge. The IGPL’s return to the UAE, particularly at Al Hamra Golf Club, highlights the growing appeal of franchise-based golf in the region.

This trend could drive further investment into golf infrastructure and player development across Asia, potentially increasing access to quality golf experiences for both residents and visitors in the coming years.