Viraj Madappa
The first Tata Steel PGTI event in many years at Delhi Golf Club produced a thrilling finish to the MP Cup with everything being decided on the final hole. Eventually 23-year-old former Asian Tour winner, Viraj Madappa recorded a one stroke victory over Bangalorean Khalin Joshi, both playing gritty golf.
The strapping tall Viraj, shot 71-67-66-70 (14-under 274) to win after making a crucial up and down for birdie at the last while fast charging former PGTI No 1, Rashid Khan doubled bogeyed the final hole to finish two behind.
Viraj and Khalin entered the final round as co-leaders and were soon joined by DGC bred Rashid Khan but at the 14th, both Khalin and Viraj found bushes but Viraj got a free drop due to his stance being on a cart path while Khalin made bogey, for a two shot swing.
Later, Viraj again hit it in the bushes again on the 17th but recovered well with an up and down for a good bogey. With Khalin being in a good position to make birdie on the last hole, Viraj was forced to make a critical save for birdie on the 18th to emerge champion.
Rashid dropped three shots over the last four holes to finish solo-third at 11-under-par total.
Viraj’s cheque of Rs. 11,31,550 pushed him up to third place in the PGTI Order of Merit.
The tour now heads to Jaipur for the Jaipur Open at Rambagh Golf Club from Oct. 12-15.
Credits:-
Photo – PGTI