Thailand's Tanapat Pichaikool Wins IGPL Morocco Rising Stars Golf Tournament

In a thrilling finale, Thailand's Tanapat Pichaikool emerged victorious at the USD 160,000 AM Green IGPL Morocco Rising Stars 2026, held at the prestigious Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in El Jadida, Morocco. With a two-shot lead going into the final round, Pichaikool showcased his exceptional skills, grinding out a 2-under 70 to maintain his margin and claim the top spot.

Tanapat's impressive performance was marked by his magnificent eight-under-par 64 round in the third round, which gave him a two-shot cushion. His ability to navigate the challenging course, coupled with his strategic play, ultimately led to his victory. The 26-year-old golfer's win is a testament to his growing prowess on the international golf circuit.

India's Kartik Singh put up a valiant effort, finishing as the top Indian golfer at Tied-12th place. Despite a late double bogey and a bogey on the back nine, Singh's final round of 1-under 71 was a commendable achievement. With rounds of 71-66-71-71, he remained under par throughout the tournament, totaling 9-under for the week. Singh's performance is a promising indication of his potential to compete at the highest level.

Singh's journey was marked by a strong start, with three birdies in his first 10 holes, placing him in line for a top-5 finish. However, a double bogey on the Par-3 13th and a bogey on Par-4 16th hindered his progress. Nevertheless, he closed with a birdie on the 18th, demonstrating his resilience and determination. Reflecting on his performance, Singh expressed his satisfaction with his overall showing, citing the challenging course conditions and tricky greens.

Other notable Indian golfers, including Trishul Chinnappa and Kartik Sharma, finished Tied-28th at 5-under, while Raghav Chugh and Syed Saqib Ahmed ended up Tied-35th. The Indian contingent's participation in the tournament highlights the country's growing presence in international golf, with several players competing in the Asian Tour and other prestigious events.

Bangladesh's Siddikur Rahman delivered a remarkable performance, finishing second with a birdie on the last hole. This result earns him a spot in the upcoming US$500,000 Bharat Classic, an Asian Tour event, scheduled to take place at the same venue. Rahman's experience and skill were evident throughout the tournament, and his finish is a testament to his enduring talent.

Tanapat Pichaikool's victory marks his second major win, following his triumph at the Toyota Tour Championship in November 2024. The Thai golfer's narrow miss on a full card on the Asian Tour last year, where he finished 69th in the Order of Merit, makes this win all the more significant. Pichaikool's excitement about participating in the upcoming Asian Tour event is palpable, and he is confident about his chances of repeating his success.

The IGPL Morocco Rising Stars 2026 tournament has provided a platform for emerging golfers to showcase their skills, and the competition has been fierce. As the golfing world looks forward to the upcoming Asian Tour events, the stage is set for intense rivalry and thrilling performances. With the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort hosting the Bharat Classic, the stakes will be high, and the world's top golfers will convene to battle it out for the top spot.