The Rankings for professional golfers on the 22-event, 2-crore Indian PGA tour, now known as the Wills PGAI Tour, boasts of an increased prize-money for the final leader. As compared to last year, the winner this year receives Rs 5.76 lakhs (1.76 lakhs more) with the `Mahindra Champion Golfer of the Year' title.

Now in it's third year, the previous winners include Delhi's Gaurav Ghei (1995-96) and Lucknow's Vijay Kumar (1996-97) who is down at No.8 on the current list.

Arjun Singh, winner at the first event of the Tour (Wills Masters) is followed by Southern India Open winner Shiv Prakash, Firoz Ali and Gaurav Ghei who are joint second.

A minimum of seven events have to be played on the Tour to qualify for the title which is judged according to the player's performance. A professional with the highest season's earnings need not necessarilywin the title.

The Rs one lakh worth `Rookie Golfer of the Year' Award, initiated last year, has, however, been put into suspension. ``Last year's Rookie of the Year, Monish Bindra's seasons earnings stood at half the prize-money amount. Hence, the PGAI has suggested that we rather start an award for the most improved player,'' informed Pitamber.

The rankings: 1 Arjun Singh (31.00 2.62); 2 Shiv Prakash (28.50 1.37); 2 Firoz Ali (28.50 1.21); 2 Gaurav Ghei (28.50 1.21); 5 Basad Ali (25.00 1.13); 6 Vivek Bhandari (19.00 1.66); 7 Uttam Singh Mundy (13.50 0.45); 8 Vijay Kumar (13.00 0.74); 9 Indrajit Bhalotia (11.00 0.63); 10 Ali Sher (10.50 0.45); 10 Mohd Islam (10.50 0.45).