15-year-old Kartik (2nd from right) finished 4th in a high-quality playing field at the South African Stroke Play Championship
Fifteen-year-old Kartik Singh continued his stellar run in international golf, securing a tied-fourth finish at the South African Stroke Play Championship held from February 11-13 at Mossel Bay Golf Course. Representing India as part of a four-member contingent selected by the Indian Golf Union (IGU), Kartik shone in a highly competitive field of 150 top amateurs from South Africa and 10 other countries.
Kartik posted rounds of 70-68-69-68 to compile a 13-under 275 on a challenging course—also the home course of 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen—that tested players with its demanding layout and coastal conditions.
His latest achievement adds to an impressive and grueling season where he has played five tournaments in six weeks, from his key role in the Asia-Pacific All-Star Team’s victory at the Bonallack Trophy against Europe, to becoming the youngest player from the subcontinent to make the cut at an Asian Tour event in the International Series India.
Among his Indian teammates, Arin Ahuja (T37) and Rakshit Dahiya (57th) also made the cut, while Sukhman Singh fell short of the 2-over cutline.
Indian Team stays put for SA Amateur Championship
Following their strong showing at Mossel Bay, the Indian team now shifts focus to the South African Amateur Championship at Humewood Golf Club from February 16-21. The tournament features two phases: a 36-hole stroke play qualifier (Proudfoot Trophy), followed by a 64-player match play knockout.
All four Indian players advanced to the match play rounds, with Sukhman Singh delivering a standout performance at tied-fourth (9-under) and Rakshit Dahiya finishing T8 (6-under). Kartik, despite a slow start with a 3-over 75 in the first round, made a remarkable comeback in round two with a 5-under performance that included back-to-back eagles, securing his spot at T28. Arin Ahuja finished at even-par (T40), rounding off the team’s qualification.
Match Play Rounds begin
Kartik started the knockout stage with a commanding 4&3 win over South Africa’s Dujuan Snyman, while Sukhman edged out Jeré Brits 2&1 to move into the round of 32. However, Arin Ahuja and Rakshit Dahiya fell to South African opponents, ending their campaigns.
The next round tees off on Wednesday, with Kartik set to face 24-year-old native Kyle van der Bergh, and Sukhman going up against local talent Johndre Ludick. The tournament progresses with the quarter-finals and semi-finals on Thursday, culminating in a 36-hole final on Friday.
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