Hyderabad, September 3, 2026: Vishesh Sharma shot a six-under 64 to take a four-shot lead into the final round of the INR 1 crore Telangana Golconda Masters at Hyderabad Golf Association.
The 19-year-old local favourite began the third round tied with Amardeep Malik. Seven birdies and one bogey took him to 20-under 190, with Malik his nearest challenger at 16-under 194.
Vishesh (60-66-64) has held at least a share of the lead after every round at his home course. His opening 60 equalled the course record, and rounds of 66 and 64 have put him four clear ahead of the final day.
Malik stays second as Baisoya moves up
Malik (61-65-68), a two-time winner on the DP World PGTI, returned a two-under 68. The 41-year-old from Noida made three birdies, with his only dropped shot coming on the par-three ninth.
Delhi’s Honey Baisoya (64-64-68) moved up one place to third at 14-under 196. Having started two shots behind the joint leaders, he made four birdies and two bogeys for another 68.
Opening-round co-leader Dhruv Sheoran (60-67-70) of Gurugram slipped to fourth at 13-under 197, seven shots off the lead. His even-par 70 included three birdies and three bogeys.
Vishesh Sharma keeps a familiar approach
For Vishesh, playing at home has brought more of an emotional lift than a technical advantage.
“Playing in Hyderabad is always special,” he said. “If there is an advantage, I would describe it as more of a morale and mental boost than a course advantage.”
He has tried to approach the tournament like a regular round at the venue, helping him stay relaxed while leading a professional event.
“There is certainly a difference between playing a tournament here and playing a casual round,” he said. “But I try to approach it as though I’m playing a normal game with my friends. That helps me stay relaxed and manage the pressure.”
Several par saves kept his round on course. At the eighth, his ball finished in an awkward lie between the fringe and the rough. He recovered to about 12 feet and holed the putt.
“That was a crucial par and helped me stay in the round,” Vishesh said. “The birdie on the 12th was another important moment. It helped me reset, gave the round fresh momentum and allowed me to add a few more birdies.”
His only bogey came on the par-four 13th, but he stayed composed and continued to extend his lead.
“I was a little nervous at times, but I kept the ball in play and stayed patient,” he said.
The greens were quicker than in the first two rounds, which suited him.
“I enjoy putting on faster greens because I like the feel of the ball rolling smoothly,” he said. “They were in phenomenal condition—probably among the best I’ve experienced while playing here.”
Vishesh is 25th on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, one place outside the top 24 who qualify for the season-ending DP World India Championship. He does not want the qualification race to distract him in the final round.
“It is obviously a major goal, but I’m not thinking about it while I’m on the course,” he said. “Focusing on the rankings during a round would be futile and only create additional pressure.
“There are several experienced players behind me, but my approach will remain the same. I’ll continue doing what has worked for me all week and see what happens tomorrow.”
Saptak Talwar climbs to fifth with a 61
Current DP World PGTI Rankings leader Saptak Talwar (70-67-61) produced the day’s lowest round, a nine-under 61. He climbed from tied 17th to fifth at 12-under 198.
Talwar made an eagle on the par-five fifth, eight birdies and one bogey. He birdied two of his last three holes.
“I’ve struggled over the past couple of weeks and haven’t played at the level I expect from myself,” Talwar said. “Towards the end of the first round, I felt I was beginning to build some momentum, although yesterday was another fairly uneventful day.”
He played alongside Veer Ahlawat and defending champion Jamal Hossain, his former teammates from 72 The League. The relaxed atmosphere helped him find his rhythm.
“Today felt different from the outset,” he said. “I was playing in a comfortable group, fed off the energy and managed to put together a good round.
“Jamal and Veer both made several birdies later in the round. We kept talking, exchanged a few smiles and maintained a relaxed atmosphere, which helped all of us.”
Talwar will represent India at the Asian Games in Japan from September 30 to October 3 alongside Ahlawat, the 2024 DP World PGTI Rankings champion.
“The eagle was an important moment, and finishing with two birdies on the last three holes made the round even more satisfying,” Talwar said. “I’m pleased with the score and, more importantly, with the direction in which my game is heading. Hopefully, I can put together another strong round tomorrow and get into contention.”
Arjunveer Shishir moves into a share of 11th
Panchkula’s 15-year-old Arjunveer Shishir (72-63-67), who became the youngest player to make the cut on the DP World PGTI, shot a bogey-free 67. He moved into a share of 11th at eight-under 202.
Bangladesh’s defending champion Jamal Hossain (72-66-72) fell from tied 24th to tied 41st at even-par 210.
The Race to DP World India Championship will crown the DP World PGTI’s number one player. It will also determine the top 24 players on the Order of Merit who earn places in the season-ending DP World India Championship.
The tournament’s event partners are Telangana Tourism, Hyderabad Golf Association, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and The Q Golf Studio by Playroot Golf. It is also supported by DP World PGTI’s umbrella partner DP World and tour partners Axis Bank, Amul, Amrutanjan Enerlyte, Air India Maharaja Club and Kalyani.
