Khushi Khanijau
Jaipur’s Khushi Khanijau won the 15th and final leg of the Hero WPGT’s extended season at Royal Calcutta Golf Club in Kolkata in thrilling fashion. The 20-year-old Khanijau began the final round five strokes behind overnight leader Seher Atwal but quickly made up ground by going out in 1-under 35. With two holes remaining, Khanijau still trailed but she closed with back-to-back birdies to post a 54-hole total of 13-over 229. That turned out to be good enough for a one-stroke victory over amateur Smriti Bhargav, Shweta Mansingh, and Atwal.
This was Khanijau’s maiden title on the Hero WPGT. Her final round 72 capped a remarkable comeback after she posted an opening round 11-over 83. On the final day, she was the only player to play the front nine under par. Atwal, the 36-hole leader, held the lead until a disastrous stretch from holes 11 to 15. She played those holes in 6-over par, with two double-bogeys, and wound up with a final round 80.
Khanijau’s winning total of 13-over was the highest of the season, topping the 10-over score set by Ridhima Dilawari at the last leg at Tollygunge in Kolkata.
Her earnings of ₹1,40,000 take her season total to ₹10,26,000 from 20 events, good enough for 8th on the final Hero Order of Merit (OOM). Amandeep Drall topped the money list with total earnings of ₹16,50,750 from 18 events.
The Hero WPGT will begin its 2022 season at the Poona Golf Club from Jan 12-14.
Hero WPGT 2020-2021 season insights –
- OOM Winner – Amandeep Drall with ₹16,50,750
- Most tournaments played – Neha Tripathi & Jyotsana Singh (24 each)
- Most wins – Jahanvi Bakshi (4)
- No. of Events won by Amateurs – 5
- Lowest winning total – Amandeep Drall – -9 (68-74-65) in the 10th Leg at Chandigarh Golf Club (Oct. 2021)
- Highest winning total – Khushi Khanijau – +13 (83-74-72) in the 15th Leg at RCGC (Dec. 2021)
- All three under-par rounds in a tournament (Winner) – Ridhima Dilawari (Leg 1, 2021 – 71-67-71) & Jahanvi Bakshi (Leg 12 – 70-70-69)
Credits:-
Photo – WGAI