Bhubaneswar | November 7, 2025 | Sky Link Times |
In one of the most thrilling finales of the season, Umed Kumar produced two spectacular back-to-back chip-in birdies — one on the final regulation hole and another in the playoff — to win the Dilip Tirkey Invitational 2025, the season-ending event of the PGTI NEXGEN Tour, held at the Bhubaneswar Golf Club.
The Rs 20 lakh tournament witnessed high drama as Umed, a 24-year-old from Chandimandir, Haryana, held his nerve to secure his second NEXGEN title of the season. His victory also crowned him the 2025 PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit champion, earning him a coveted exemption on the PGTI main tour next year.
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Tight Finish and Playoff Drama
Heading into the final day as the overnight leader by three shots, Umed carded a steady one-under 71 in the last round to finish with an eight-under total of 208 (67-70-71). However, a sizzling seven-under 65 by Kushal Singh from Gurugram forced a playoff, as both players tied at eight-under after 54 holes.
As Kushal mounted an incredible comeback with an eagle and seven birdies, Umed’s title hopes looked uncertain until he chipped in for birdie on the 18th hole, forcing a playoff.
In the deciding playoff hole, Umed replicated the magic — another chip-in birdie — to seal both the tournament and the season title, as Kushal narrowly missed his own birdie attempt.
Order of Merit Glory
Umed’s triumph earned him a winner’s cheque of Rs 2,54,000, taking his total season earnings to Rs 8,61,140 and securing the top spot on the NEXGEN Order of Merit.
His closest rival, Sanjeev Kumar from Lucknow, who led the Order of Merit heading into the event, finished tied fourth at five-under 211, taking home Rs 1,02,300 and closing the season in second place with earnings of Rs 8,11,040.
Chandarjeet Yadav (66) finished third at seven-under 209, while Divesh Rana joined Sanjeev Kumar in tied fourth position.
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Odisha’s First PGTI Event and Local Highlights
The Dilip Tirkey Invitational 2025 also made history as Odisha’s first-ever PGTI event, supported by Indian hockey legend Dilip Tirkey.
Among local professionals, Ajay Kumar Sahu emerged as the best performer, finishing 27th with a total score of six-over 222.
Umed Kumar Reflects on a Dream Finish
Reflecting on his victory, Umed said,
> “This is the kind of finish a golfer dreams of. To make two chip-ins in a row to win a title and the Order of Merit is beyond belief. This win gives me tremendous confidence heading into next year.”
He added that despite missing several putts during the round, he stayed composed:
> “I thought I was losing momentum, but the chip-in on the 18th changed everything. Once I forced the playoff, I felt I could win. I couldn’t have asked for a better season.”
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