Over 160 junior golfers teed off at the 9th Albatross International Junior Golf Championship held at ITC Classic Golf Resort, Gurgaon, from November 7 to 10.
The prestigious event, which is ratified by the R&A for World Amateur Ranking Points and recognized by the Indian Golf Union (IGU), witnessed 44 overseas junior players – from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and Australia – compete.
The highlight of the tournament was Delhi amateur Harshjeet Singh Sethie [winner, Category A (15-17 years)] whose splendid performance, culminating with a brilliant round of 8-under 64 on the third and final day (a tournament record no less), capped an impressive display by Indians.
Apart from a glittering trophy, Harshjeet was awarded a 1-year full-time scholarship by Hills Golf Academy, Queensland, Australia. Further, the Indian pair of Harshjeet and Raghav Chugh (winner Category B) claimed the Category A+B team title with a combined score of 432, ahead of Taiwanese duo of Yu-Yu Chen and Ting Yu Chen (454).
Speaking to Golf Digest India, Harshjeet praised the opportunity provided to kids by Albatross Junior Tour.
“It is a great event and every year we look forward to playing in it. We are really happy that we had a strong team this year and we converted it into victory,” said Harshjeet.
Raghav also echoed the sentiment saying: “This is the best junior event in the country and it is always a pleasure to be part of it. For me this event is a great exposure as I get to compete against the best Asian amateurs.”
For the first time, coaches from the University of Indiana, Bloomington, and the Academy of Arts, San Francisco, travelled to India to scout talent and offer scholarships and admissions to the best players.
Said Lauren Harling, Associate Head Women’s Golf Coach at the University of Indiana, “What a pleasure to be a part of the 9th Albatross Junior Tour Championship and be a resource for those who are interested in
college golf in the United States. India is full of great talent and the future of junior golf is bright!”
Elaine Harris, Head Women’s golf coach at Academy of Art University, further added, “It was a great experience to present at the 9th Albatross International alongside IJGA this year. I hope we were able to help student athletes and their families understand a bit more about the pathway to playing collegiate golf and I hope to continue a partnership and help junior golfers pursue their dreams.”
Golf Digest India awarded a complimentary one-year subscription to 10 Indian players who returned best scores in each age category.
(Read more in the December issue of Golf Digest India. Download here.)