Ahlawat crowned PGTI Ranking champion with record-breaking earnings
Key Points:
- Veer Ahlawat clinches TATA Steel Tour Championship 2024 in a playoff win
- Earns record INR 1.56 crore as PGTI Ranking champion
- Secures DP World Tour card for the 2025 season
JAMSHEDPUR – Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat claimed a dramatic playoff victory against Amardeep Malik to win the TATA Steel Tour Championship 2024 on Sunday. The 28-year-old also set a record for season earnings on the PGTI, cementing his status as the No. 1-ranked player for the year.
The season-ending INR 3 crore event was held at the Beldih and Golmuri Golf Courses. Ahlawat shot a stunning seven-under 64 in the final round to force a playoff, where he prevailed on the second extra hole. He ended the regulation 72 holes tied with Malik at 17-under 267.
Thrilling Finale
Ahlawat’s aggressive play saw him card an eagle and six birdies, recovering from a bogey on the 11th. Malik, who led much of the day, faltered in the playoff despite his bogey-free round. Ahlawat clinched the title with a decisive par on the second extra hole, marking his fourth professional victory.
Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja finished third at 16-under 268, while Chandigarh’s Yuvraj Sandhu and Pune’s Udayan Mane tied for fourth at 14-under 270.
Record-Breaking Season
Ahlawat’s season earnings of INR 1,56,35,724 smashed the previous PGTI record of INR 1,18,26,059 set by Om Prakash Chouhan in 2023. With two wins and seven other top-10 finishes, Ahlawat also secured a DP World Tour card for 2025.
Reflecting on his win, Ahlawat said, “Winning the PGTI Order of Merit was a major goal, and I’m thrilled to achieve it. I’m looking forward to the DP World Tour and preparing for European conditions.”
Emerging Talent and Local Performance
Twenty-one-year-old Shaurya Bhattacharya from Delhi was named PGTI Emerging Player of the Year with rookie earnings of INR 23,14,017. Jamshedpur-based professionals Karan Taunk and Kurush Heerjee finished tied 47th and tied 54th, respectively.
