Gaganjeet Bhullar Leads Strong Indian Challenge at AM Green IGPL Bharath Classic in Morocco

The spotlight shifts to Morocco this week as some of India's leading golfers prepare to tee it up at the $500,000 AM Green IGPL Bharath Classic, one of the most significant events on the Indian and Asian golfing calendar. 

Headlining the Indian challenge is veteran star Gaganjeet Bhullar, who will be joined by more than 40 Indian players in the tournament being staged at the spectacular Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in El Jadida.

The Bharath Classic, the flagship event of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL), is being held outside India for the first time after a successful inaugural edition at Kensville Golf Resort in Gujarat last year. The tournament is jointly sanctioned and forms part of the growing partnership between the Asian Tour and the IGPL, creating new pathways for Indian golfers to compete on bigger stages.

Among active players on the Asian Tour, few possess a resume as impressive as Gaganjeet Bhullar's.

The multiple-time Asian Tour winner remains one of India's most successful professional golfers and enters the week looking to end a lengthy wait for another victory at the continental level. Bhullar's most recent Asian Tour triumph came in November 2023, meaning more than two-and-a-half years have passed since his last victory on the circuit.

However, the Chandigarh-based golfer continues to demonstrate his winning pedigree. During that period, he has captured four IGPL titles, including a victory earlier this year in Chandigarh, proving he remains capable of challenging for trophies.

Bhullar has also been vocal about the opportunities being created for Indian golfers through the partnership between the IGPL, Asian Tour and International Series.

He believes the system is already helping younger Indian players gain valuable exposure and access to higher levels of competition.

While Bhullar remains the biggest name in the field from an Indian perspective, he is far from the only contender. The Indian challenge will include several rising stars and established professionals eager to make their mark. Among them is Pukhraj Singh Gill, winner of the AM Green IGPL Order of Merit in 2025. Gill has already begun benefiting from the pathways created by the IGPL structure and has earned opportunities to compete at higher levels, including the International Series.

Youngster Kartik Singh is another player attracting attention. The teenager produced an impressive performance at last week's event in Morocco, finishing tied 12th after a series of strong rounds against an international field.

Other notable Indian names include Karandeep Kochhar, Udayan Mane, Shaurya Bhattacharya, Aman Raj, Sachin Baisoya and Aryan Roopa Anand, all of whom will be aiming to challenge for a strong finish. With more than 40 Indian players in the field, the tournament offers one of the biggest international opportunities available to the country's golfers outside the main Asian Tour schedule.

The field is expected to be highly competitive, featuring several players in excellent form.

South Africa's Ian Snyman enters as one of the favourites after enjoying a breakthrough season. Snyman claimed his maiden Asian Tour title at the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open last month and currently sits third in the Asian Tour Order of Merit standings. His recent form includes multiple top-10 finishes, making him one of the players to beat this week.

Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert is another major contender. Currently fourth on the Order of Merit, he has already recorded several high finishes this season, including runner-up performances at key events. The field also includes former Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Jazz Janewattananond, one of the most accomplished golfers in Asia over the last decade. The Thai star returns to Morocco with fond memories, having won the International Series Morocco in 2022.

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Defending champion Poosit Supupramai will also be present as he looks to retain the title he won during the tournament's inaugural edition in India last year.

Adding further intrigue is last week's winner Tanapat Pichaikool, who arrives with momentum after his victory on the Asian Development Tour and will be hoping to continue that form.

Beyond the prize purse, the tournament carries significant importance for players seeking to advance their careers. A victory this week can open doors to the Asian Tour and International Series, while strong performances could help players secure opportunities in upcoming high-profile events.

The timing is particularly important, with the $2 million International Series Morocco scheduled immediately after the Bharath Classic. Many participants view this week's tournament as a gateway to bigger opportunities on the international stage.

The tournament will be played at the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, one of Morocco's premier golfing destinations.

Located on the Atlantic coast, the 18-hole course was designed by nine-time major champion Gary Player and is regarded as one of the most scenic layouts in the region. The venue will host a field of 144 players, with the top 65 and ties progressing beyond the 36-hole cut.

For Indian golf, the week represents another important step in expanding opportunities for players on the international stage. With Bhullar leading the charge and a large contingent eager to impress, the AM Green IGPL Bharath Classic promises to be a significant chapter in India's growing presence on the global golfing circuit.