Bengaluru-lad Ishnidh Singh Virdi completed a splendid wire-to-wire victory at the IGU Rotary Southern India Bio-Gen Sansera Amateur Golf Championships at the KGA course in Bengaluru on Friday.
Virdi shot a closing three-under-par 69 for an impressive four-day total of 10-under 278. Ranveer Mitroo (71) and Harjai Milkha Singh (76) — who suffered a meltdown on the final day — finished tied at two-under 286. Prince Bainsla (72) finished fourth at one-under 287, making him the only other amateur to break par.
Virdi stays ahead of the field; Harjai and Anas breathe down leader’s neck in Bengaluru
Virdi got off to a sedate start even as his challengers fell behind early in the round. The 17-year-old got going with a 15-foot birdie putt on the eighth hole. He followed that up with further birdies on the 10th, 11th and 15th holes to leave the rest to battle for the second spot. His lone blemish came on the 17th hole.
“It feels great to win my first-ever title on the Indian Golf Union circuit,” said an elated Virdi.
Keya Kumar crowned queen
In the Ladies and Junior Girls’ event, Keya Kumar Badugu rallied in brilliant fashion on the homestretch to edge out Anaahat Bindra — who did all the front-running — on the first playoff hole. The two were tied at one-under 215 after 54 holes.
Keya, who began the day one stroke off the lead, slipped four behind after the 10th hole. However, the Delhi youngster, playing in only her second tournament of the season, didn’t let it bog her down. The 19-year-old fired a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th to catch up with the leader.
In the playoff, Keya came up with a brilliant drive and then chipped to three feet for another birdie to walk away with the title and the winner’s purse of Rs 75,000.
“It has been a difficult year for me; this is a much-needed victory,” said a relieved Keya, who missed most of the season due to a recurring illness.
Priya, Ojaswini, Aaliyah win titles
Local golfer Priya Kumari, who was also in contention at the start of the day, settled for the Category ‘A’ (15-17 years) title by edging out fellow Bengalurean Dia Cris Kuamr by two strokes. Priya shot a final-round 75 to finish with a total of four-over 220.
Ojaswini Saraswat took the Category ‘B’ (13-14) title and Aaliyah Kalra bagged the Category ‘C’ (11-12) crown.
Final scores: Amateurs (after 72 holes): 278: Ishnidh Virdi (67, 69, 73, 69); 286: Ranveer Mitroo (72, 71, 72, 71), Harjai Milkha Singh (68, 70, 72, 76); 287: Prince Bainsla (71, 73, 71, 72); 289: Milind MG (72, 73, 71, 72), Prem Muniyappa (73, 71, 74, 71).
Ladies (after 54 holes): 215: Keya Kumar Badugu (73, 71, 71), Anaahat Bindra (70, 72, 73). Keya wins in a playoff; 220: Priya Kumari (75, 70, 75).
Category ‘A’ (15-17 years): 220: Priya Kumari; 222: Dia Cris Kumar (81, 70, 71); 224: Ayesha Gupta (71, 76, 77).
Category ‘B’ (13-14): 225: Ojaswini Saraswat (73, 77, 75); 226: Anushka Gupta (77, 77, 72), Aida Thimmaiah (78, 75, 73).
Category ‘C’ (11-12): 238: Aaliyah Kalra (86, 73, 79); 241: Vedika Bhansali (82, 79, 80); 247: Aarushi Sharma (85, 83, 79).
