Ollie Schniederjans Wins International Series India after mounting a stunning comeback at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, just outside Delhi.
The American wowed spectators by firing a three-under-par 69 in his final round to finish at 10-under overall—an incredible four shots clear of the reigning US Open champion, Bryson DeChambeau.
Bolstered by a spectacular chip-in for birdie on the par-four 13th, Schniederjans overturned what had been an eight-shot lead held by DeChambeau going into Sunday.
DeChambeau, described as a two-time major winner, produced a brilliant seven-under 65 in his final round, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap: he ended the week at six under par.
Climbing the Leaderboard
Abraham Ancer of Fireballs GC shared third spot on two under par with Joaquin Niemann—last season’s International Series Rankings champion.
Only four players managed to break par on the challenging Gary Player-designed layout, underlining the difficulty of a tournament that also featured several delays due to heavy morning fog.
“It means a lot to me,” Schniederjans said, reflecting on the physical and mental resilience he needed to triumph.
The 31-year-old underwent double hip replacement surgery in 2022 and spent more than a year away from competitive golf.
“This golf course is very challenging, and back in the day I would have had a hard time out here.
But I’ve been through so much and have come out stronger—I feel my game is in the best shape it’s ever been.”
Race to the Finish
When the field had to complete the third round on Sunday morning, Schniederjans wasted no time in establishing a three-shot lead after carding birdies on holes 10, 11, and 12.
By the time he reached the turn, he was five shots clear. He extended that advantage to six when he chipped in from a tricky lie on the 13th—turning a likely bogey into an inspiring birdie.
Japanese golfer Kazuki Higa, who started the final round in second place, slipped down to T5 at level par after a four-over 76.
Bryson DeChambeau kept chasing Schniederjans in pursuit of a late comeback, but although he “scored really well and made a lot of great putts,” he acknowledged that his ball striking needs some fine-tuning ahead of LIV Golf Riyadh.
Injury and Redemption
Schniederjans’ victory is particularly poignant considering how injuries had derailed his promising career, which included a stint as the world’s top amateur in 2014. After turning professional, he claimed a Korn Ferry Tour title in 2016, but persistent hip issues forced him into major surgery.
He earned his spot at this week’s event by finishing fourth at last year’s LIV Golf Promotions tournament, where the top 10 players secured playing rights for The International Series. While he narrowly missed out on a LIV Golf League berth in Saudi, this International Series India triumph jump-starts his quest for a place in the league.
“This was a long process with plenty of ups and downs,” Schniederjans said. “I had to re-learn my body and swing, and there were setbacks that seemed endless. But I stuck it out, and it’s all come together now. I knew a moment like this was on the horizon.”
Other Notable Finishes
Sebastian Munoz of Colombia, Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, and Higa tied for fifth at level par. Australian Kevin Yuan and Chase Koepka followed in eighth place at one over, with a six-man group—including Indian favourite Anirban Lahiri—tied for 10th.
Meanwhile, Julien Sale, fresh off a win at the Smart Infinity Philippine Open, finished in a tie for 16th alongside Stefano Mazzoli.
Gaganjeet Bhullar (T24) led the Indian contingent that survived the cut, with Karandeep Kochhar, Yuvraj Sandhu, Ajeetesh Sandhu, Shiv Kapur, and Rahil Gangjee also making it to the weekend.
Fifteen-year-old amateur Kartik Singh made headlines by becoming the youngest Indian ever to make an Asian Tour cut, concluding his impressive run at T53.
What’s Next?
The Asian Tour continues with the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport (February 27 – March 2), followed by the International Series Macau presented by Wynn (March 20-23)—the second elevated event out of ten that offer pathways to the LIV Golf League.
For more information on The International Series, visit www.internationalseries.com.
Ollie Schniederjans Wins International Series India in what is likely to be one of the most talked-about comebacks in recent golf memory.
With his confidence restored and his physical troubles behind him, the American is now firmly in the spotlight as the newly minted champion on The International Series stage.
