Hyderabad, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Teenager Danish Verma continued his remarkable rise in Indian professional golf, taking the outright lead after the second round of the Phoenix Invitational Hyderabad, part of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) 2026, on Thursday.
The 15-year-old from Ludhiana, who became India’s youngest-ever professional golfer earlier this season, carded a six-under-par 66 at Vooty Golf County. Building on his opening-round 67, Verma moved to 11-under-par, securing a one-shot advantage heading into the final round.
Representing Green Fuels Vizag Dolphins GC and coached by Chandigarh-based Jesse Grewal, Verma leads a strong chasing group featuring established professionals Gaganjeet Bhullar and Shiv Kapur, along with emerging golfer Harshjeet Singh Sethie. All three are tied at 10-under after matching two-round totals of 134.
Verma could have extended his advantage but dropped a shot on the par-four 17th. Nevertheless, he was pleased with his performance, saying he had struck the ball well throughout the round, despite missing a couple of putts from within 10 feet.
The young golfer said Vooty Golf County suited his game, particularly because its relatively short layout offered plenty of birdie opportunities and allowed him to make the most of his wedge play.
Despite being the youngest professional in the field, Verma said he approaches every tournament with the ambition of winning rather than thinking about his age. His long-term aspirations include competing on the Asian Tour, DP World Tour and PGA Tour, as well as playing in golf’s Major championships.
He also credited his father with managing and investing his earnings, allowing him to concentrate on his game.
Bhullar, representing Vimtra Chennai Lions GC, carded a four-under 68 to remain firmly in contention. A three-time winner this season, he is chasing another victory after recent triumphs in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam.
Kapur also finished at 10-under after a 66. He made an impressive start with four birdies in his first five holes, added three more on the back nine, but a bogey on the 17th prevented him from joining Verma at the top.
Sethie maintained his consistent form with a second consecutive 67. His bogey-free second round featured five birdies, keeping him among the leading contenders.
Raghav Chugh produced the standout round of the day, firing an eight-under 64 to climb to nine-under-par and a share of fifth place. His flawless card featured eight birdies, four on each nine.
Chugh shares fifth place with Tushar Pannu, Arjun Prasad and Sachin Baisoya, leaving eight players within two shots of the lead and setting up a closely contested final round.
FOLLOW NOW
