NUH
South African golfer MJ Daffue held his nerve to claim a thrilling victory at the 2026 PGTI Open. Finishing with a flawless, bogey-free round of 69, the 37-year-old secured the $300,000 title by just a single stroke. This win marks his second major trophy in only two months, catapulting him to the top of the international rankings.
Daffue started the final day with a comfortable four-shot lead but faced a tense battle as the gap narrowed. A crucial birdie on the ninth hole and a spectacular eagle on the 14th allowed him to finish at 21-under par. Credit for his calm demeanor went to his sports psychologist, as Daffue noted that “patience and consistency” were the keys to surviving the high-pressure final holes.
India’s Saptak Talwar emerged as the local hero of the tournament, finishing in a tie for second place alongside American Jhared Hack. Despite a slow start and an early bogey, the 27-year-old Talwar staged a brilliant comeback on the back nine, sinking five birdies to finish at 20-under par. His performance earned him a significant prize of ₹24.3 lakh, keeping him firmly at the top of the Indian Order of Merit.
Other Indian players also showed strength, with Yuvraj Sandhu and Ravi Kumar breaking into the top ten. This strong showing provides a massive boost of confidence for the local contingent as they prepare for the prestigious Indian Open starting next week.
South African Daffue wins dramatic PGTI open
