Avengers and USGA to collaborate
USGA has partnered with Marvel Entertainment to release a range of exclusive golf products. There will be graphic novels (both printed and digital) featuring Marvel superheroes. The story follows Tony Stark (Iron Man) and other Avengers as they teach the next generation of Marvel superheroes about golf. The release will also include distribution of Marvel-themed golf posters with lessons for youngsters learning about the game to increase participation in the sport.
“ We’re excited for this opportunity to introduce and teach the game of golf to a junior audience in a way that’s completely unique,” said USGA chief executive Mike Davis. “Utilising the power of the Marvel Universe will help us introduce the game to potential new golfers while also giving our existing players a fun new way to learn.”
Aryan wins in Georgia
14-year-old Delhi golfer Aryan Kaila played at the Chateau Elan Jr. Shootout tournament held at Chateau Elan Golf Club on June 9.
Aryan shot -1 on the day to secure his win, with eight-strokes over the American duo of Brett Cooper and Jeb McDonald. Aryan remained the only player to score under-par in Boys 14-15 category. The Chateau Elan Jr. Shootout event was played in over five different age and gender categories, and they were named after artists and golfers: Tiger Woods (Boys 16-18), Will Smith (Boys 14-15), Ernie Els (Boys 11- 13), Justin Timberlake (Girls 14-18) and Justin Rose (Girls U-13).
Anika qualifies for the US Girls’ Junior Championship
The 15-year-old golfer from Noida, Anika Varma, shot 35 and 38 for a total score 73 on June 17 at Corral De Tierra Country Club, Salinas, California to qualify for the 71st US Girls’ Junior Championship. Anika is currently No.6 on the IGU’s Ladies Amateur rankings and she recently won at the Eastern India Ladies Amateur (May21-23), held at Tollygunge Golf Course, Kolkata.
The tournament conducted by the USGA is scheduled from July 22 – 27 at SentryWorld, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a 6307-yard long course with par-72 standards.
The tournament is open to any female amateur player who has not reached the age of 19 by July 21 and whose Handicap Index does not exceed 9.4.
Chaitanya Pandey emerges victorious in Scotland
A sizeable Indian contingent was present in Scotland for the US Kids European Championship played at Longniddry Golf Club from May 28- 30. The tournament saw a win for 7-year-old Delhi golfer, Chaitanya Pandey.
Pandey’s scores of 30, 36 and 36, defeated 41 other contenders in the same age category. The competition was probably closest in this group, with the top six all bringing in under-par cards. Chaitanya was the best of the group with a two-shot triumph over South Africa’s Lee Foxcroft (33, 34, 37) in the Boys – 7 years and under event. He is now geared up to take on US Kids World Championship 2019 in North Carolina, USA in August.
Among Indian girls, 9-year and 11-year-old, Delhi girls, Asara Sawhney and Lavanya Gupta produced the best results, finishing T-3 and third, in their age categories, respectively.
Arjun Bhati gets Kohli’s backing
Arjun Bhati was recently selected as the only golfer among several sportspersons to receive support from the Virat Kohli Foundation. With over 100 junior tournament wins under his belt, 14-years old Bhati is already making waves. A thorough and peculiar selection process shortlisted seven promising athletes across various sports. Last year, the honour of having Kohli’s support was bestowed upon Aadil Bedi, who is now a full-time member on the Asian Tour after going through the Q-School in January this year.
Bhati has dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal for the country and this comes at a very opportune time. He recently won the Category B IGU Karnataka Junior Boys National Championship on May 17, with four-shots over Telangana’s Milind Soni at Eagleton Golf Club and Resort in Bengaluru. The foundation will take care of all of Arjun’s expenses with regard to golf and will give him full freedom to participate in an international tournament.