Winning Team Delhi members – Shaurya Bhattacharya and Sachin Baisoya
The National Games is the only time in the year where men and women, professionals and amateurs represent their various state teams in a multi-sport event and compete for team and individual prizes without any prize money whatsoever. However in this event, golfers are motivated by the urge to win gold medals and recognition by their state sports bodies.
The majority of disciplines at the 37th National Games are being played in Goa, however, since Goa tragically has only a 9 hole executive style golf course, Golf was moved to the Delhi GC in the National Capital.
Team Delhi, represented by IGU No.1 amateur Shaurya Bhattacharya and pro Sachin Baisoya, shot 3-over 579 to beat Team Chandigarh, represented by All India Amateur Champion, Anant Singh Ahlawat and PGTI winner Aadil Bedi by three-strokes.
Silver Medalist Team Chandigarh – Aadil Bedi & Anant Singh Ahlawat
Team Rajasthan, surprised everyone with a 3rd place finish represented by Girraj Singh Khadka and Sawa HS Bhati who carded 8-over 584.
A total of 16 states fielded teams in the competition.
In the individual section, Yashas Chandra of Mysore, shot 65-70-68-70 to win the Gold with his total score of 15-under 273 ahead of Om Prakash Chauhan from Madhya Pradesh, the current PGTI No 1 who was at 11-under 277. Kartik Sharma representing Haryana shot 8-under 280 for the Bronze.
Punjab wins Women’s Team Gold
In the women’s team competition, Punjab, represented by amateur Mannat Brar, and pro Amandeep Drall, who won the individual gold also , secured the team Gold l with a total score of 14-over 590 . Team Haryana, led by pro Vani Kapoor and amateur Prarthana Khanna, claimed the Silver on 21-over 597. Karnataka, represented by amateurs Vidhatri Urs and Saanvi Somu, secured the Bronze.
14 yr old Zara takes silver
From L-R – Zara Anand (Silver), Amandeep Drall (Gold) and Vani Kapoor (Bronze)
While seasoned pro Amandeep Drall won the individual gold, she was challenged by 14 year old amateur Zara Anand who finished just two strokes back. Zara beat the likes of Vani Kapoor who was at 8-over 296.
A number of India’s top lady pros and amateurs sadly had to miss the National Games due to the clash with the Ladies European Tour Asia Qualifying taking place at Classic Golf Resort, Gurgaon on the same dates.