Rashid Khan Ends Seven-Year Wait With Commanding Telangana Open Victory
Vikarabad, Telangana — August 29, 2026: Indian golfer Rashid Khan has returned to the winner’s circle in emphatic fashion, capturing the Telangana Open 2026 by three strokes and ending a seven-year wait for a professional title.
The 35-year-old Delhi golfer produced a closing five-under-par 67 at Vooty Golf County to finish the tournament at 23-under 265. The victory delivered his 15th professional title and his 11th triumph on the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
A Comeback Built on Patience
Rashid entered the final round two shots behind overnight leader Angad Cheema, but his opening two holes appeared to put his challenge in danger.
He dropped shots on both the first and second holes.
Instead of allowing the difficult start to derail him, Rashid immediately changed the momentum. He responded with three consecutive birdies from the third through the fifth holes before adding another birdie at the eighth.
That remarkable recovery helped him move into control as Cheema struggled on the opening nine.
Three More Birdies Strengthen His Lead
Rashid continued his attacking approach after the turn.
He recorded three successive birdies between the 10th and 12th holes, creating valuable separation from the chasing players. Although Cheema attempted to remain within striking distance, his final-round 73 prevented him from mounting a serious late challenge.
A crucial moment arrived at the 15th hole, where Rashid successfully negotiated a difficult situation and maintained his advantage.
From there, he remained composed through the closing holes despite challenging windy conditions.
Honey Baisoya Finishes Second
Delhi golfer Honey Baisoya produced an outstanding final round but could not catch the eventual champion.
Baisoya carded a seven-under 65, featuring nine birdies and two bogeys, to finish second at 20-under 268.
His runner-up performance earned him INR 10 lakh and strengthened his position in the season standings. Baisoya, who won the DP World Players Championship earlier this year, now sits third in the PGTI season rankings.
Cheema Slips After Leading Into the Final Round
Angad Cheema had looked like the player to beat after three rounds.
He had entered the final day with a two-shot advantage after producing an exceptional 11-under 61 in the second round and following it with a 65 in the third.
However, the final round proved much more difficult. Cheema finished with a one-over 73 and ended at 19-under 269, sharing third place with Veer Ahlawat.
A Significant Milestone for Rashid
Rashid’s victory is particularly meaningful because his previous DP World PGTI title came in May 2019.
Since then, the experienced golfer had endured an extended period without a professional victory. His latest performance therefore represents not simply another tournament success, but a major personal comeback.
Rashid said the seven-year period included difficult moments and significant lessons, making the return to winning particularly emotional.
Prize Money and Ranking Boost
The Telangana Open carried a total purse of INR 1 crore.
Rashid earned INR 15 lakh for his victory and moved to sixth position in the 2026 DP World PGTI Order of Merit. His season earnings increased to approximately INR 44.95 lakh.
Meanwhile, current rankings leader Saptak Talwar finished tied 24th but retained his advantage at the top of the season standings.
A Victory That Could Change Rashid’s Season
Rashid Khan’s Telangana Open triumph demonstrates that experience and persistence can still produce spectacular results in professional golf.
After beginning the final round with back-to-back bogeys, he responded with an extraordinary run of birdies and eventually established a comfortable winning margin.
For a golfer who had waited seven years for another title, the manner of the victory may be just as important as the trophy itself.
Rashid Khan is once again a DP World PGTI champion — and his Telangana Open comeback could prove to be the defining moment of his 2026 season.
