Tushar Pannu, Mannat Brar share lead at IGPL Congo

Lubumbashi: Young Indian pros Tushar Pannu and Mannat Brar grabbed a share of the lead after impressive opening rounds at the IGPL Invitational Congo, being played at the Par-73 Golf Club Lubumbashi.

Pannu, just 21 and less than a year into his professional career, showed remarkable composure with a superb 6-under 67. His round featured five birdies and an eagle, offset by a lone bogey. Having turned pro last year through the Qualifying School, the Haryana golfer looks to be finding his rhythm quickly on the international stage.

Matching him shot-for-shot was 19-year-old Mannat Brar, who also carded a flawless 6-under 67. The recently turned professional, associated with the Women’s Golf Association, delivered a bogey-free round with six birdies, underlining her growing stature in the game.

The IGPL Invitational Congo marks the fourth leg of the IGPL Tour 2026 and the third stop of its African swing, following events in Chandigarh, Mauritius, and Johannesburg. The Lubumbashi course, known for its eco-friendly layout, is hosting the tour for the first time.

Close behind the leaders is rookie Sukhman Singh, who fired a 5-under 68 to take sole third place. His round stood out for two eagles within four holes, highlighting his attacking style of play.

Aman Raj, a multiple IGPL winner last season, and Harendra Gupta are tied for fourth at 4-under 69. Just a shot further back, last week’s winner Udayan Mane, Manav Shah, and Syed Saqib Ahmed are tied for sixth at 3-under 70.

A group of seven players—including Saarthak Chhibber, Sunhit Bishnoi, Danish Verma, Kanav Chauhan, Digraj Singh Gill, I.L. Aalaap, and Aryan Roopa Anand—are tied for ninth at 2-under 71.

Pannu’s round had an early hiccup with a bogey on his second hole, but he quickly recovered, stringing together birdies late on the back nine and finishing with a stunning eagle. Mannat, meanwhile, was in complete control throughout, picking up four birdies on the front nine and adding two more on the back to stay bogey-free.

Brar, who made headlines in 2024 as the first Indian to reach the semi-finals of the British Girls Amateur Championship, is now aiming to become only the second Indian woman to win a mixed-gender professional event, following Pranavi Urs’ achievement last year.

In the team standings, Atri Mumbai leads at 10-under, thanks to strong rounds from Pannu and Aman Raj. Flying Man Kolkata, led by Sukhman Singh and Syed Saqib Ahmed, sits second at 8-under, while Green Fuels Vizag holds third at 5-under.

With a strong Indian presence at the top of the leaderboard, the tournament is shaping up for an exciting contest in the days ahead.

With inputs from IANS