Thomas McLendon of USA shot 9-under par to win the PGTI Pre-Qualifying II in Jamshedpur
The phenomenal growth of prize money in 2023 on the PGTI, seems to have caught the eye of international players, attracting a record 49 foreign entries in the three qualifying events being played in Jamshedpur.
For the first time in PGTI’s history, the three qualifiers have attracted entries from the USA, Korea, Canada, Italy, Uganda, Australia, Chile and Austria besides Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.
At the 2nd qualifier this week, USA’s Thomas McLendon carded rounds of 68-65 (9-under par) to win. Michele Ortolani from Italy, led the opening round with a 65, however he shot a 71 on the second day to finish fourth.
Other foreigners who went through the finals are –
Sukhraj Singh Gill – Canada
Md Abdur Rahman – Bangladesh
Dominic Piccirillo – USA
Si In Kim – S. Korea
At the first qualifier, 25-year-old Jay Pandya of Kalhaar Blues & Greens in Ahmedabad, a student of renowned coach Vijay Diwecha and a former India No.1 amateur carded rounds of 69-63 for a total score of 10-under 132 to emerge victorious.
The tour will play one more 36 hole pre qualifier at the same venue before playing the Final Stage from Feb. 6-9 over 72 holes to determine who gets playing rights on the PGTI for 2024.
Photo – PGTI