Gaurav Pratap Singh receives the winner’s trophy from (L – R) Mr. Simarjit Singh, Captain, Noida Golf Course, Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, Dr. Steven Menezes, Secretary, Noida Golf Course, Mr. Umesh Dubey, Chairman – Tournament & Handicapping, Noida Golf Course
38-year-old Gaurav Pratap Singh of Noida, playing at his home course, Noida GC, won a playoff for his second PGTI title almost 14 years after his first victory. Gaurav shot 34-71-70-69 (8-under 244) over 63 holes since Rd 1 was cut to 9 holes due to bad weather. The 22 year old Karan Singh from Faridabad had his best finish ever at 2nd closing the final round with two birdies to get into the playoff. In the playoff, Gaurav made par while Karan made bogey.
Gaurav takes home the winners cheque of Rs 15 lacs in an unprecedented season where till date the 5 PGTI events have each boasted purses of Rs 1 crore each in addition to the recent back to back European Challenge Tour US$300,000 events held in Bangalore during March. Two more events remain on the PGTI during April – in Chandigarh and Ahmedabad before what appears to be a summer break on the domestic tour.
Gaurav had entered the final round one shot behind Shamim Khan, the overnight leader, who endured a horrible round of 78 and would finish 11th. Karan started three shots behind Khan and his round included seven birdies and four bogeys. Gaurav now has two wins on the PGTI and two on the PGTI Feeder Tour.
“It’s been a long time since I won so it almost seems to me like my first win, Gaurav, who had won his previous PGTI title at the Noida Golf Course in 2009, said. “I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs over the last few years but I’m pleased to have got the win under my belt at last. Playing at one’s home course is always an advantage but I didn’t think too much about that and played like I would’ve at any other course. It was great to win in the presence of my family.
“While coming down the stretch I did feel some pressure with a couple of drives landing on the left but my short-game was the saving grace for me on those occasions. I kept my calm, focussed on my short-game as I knew that I had to make a lot of par putts. I didn’t hit it well on the last 4 holes so the chip-putts were crucial there.
Credits:-
Photo – PGTI