Kartik finished tied-22nd at the 2025 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley
The 2025 Junior Invitational, held at Sage Valley GC in South Carolina last week, has become one of the most prestigious events in junior golf in just a few years’ time. The tournament brought together 36 of the world’s top junior boys and 24 of the leading junior girls to compete.
India’s sole representative for the 2nd consecutive year, 15-year-old Delhi-based Kartik Singh, delivered a steady performance, finishing tied-22nd with rounds of 74-73-75-75 and a total score of 9-over 297. Marking a significant improvement from last year’s 35th-place finish, Kartik reflected, “It was an incredible week at Sage Valley, a lifetime experience playing in pristine conditions among the best junior golfers in the world. My game felt strong, especially my ball striking and driving. While the results could have been better if more putts had fallen, I am taking away a lot of positives as I return home for the Hero Indian Open. Compared to last year, I have improved by eight strokes and added 25 yards to my drive.”
Miles Russell of USA, a 16-year-old from Florida, claimed the title at 9-under 279, securing a two-shot victory over fellow American Jackson Byrd, who took second place at 7-under 281.
Joshua Bai of New Zealand, Kartik’s teammate from the victorious Asia-Pacific All-Star Men’s Team, which beat Europe at the Bonallack Trophy in January this year, led the tournament after 54 holes but a final-round 77 dropped him to third place at 6-under 282.
Tiger Woods’ son Charlie Woods finished tied-25th at 11-over 299.
Kartik’s performance in the Junior Invitational adds to his growing reputation in the international golf circuit. Last month, he made history by becoming the youngest player in the subcontinent to make the cut at an Asian Tour event during the US$2 million International Series India which featured players like U.S. Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau and Indian star, Anirban Lahiri.
With momentum from his recent international outings, Kartik now shifts focus to the 2025 Hero Indian Open, where he will compete as one of four amateur golfers in the field along with Anant Singh Ahlawat, Anshul Mishra, and Rakshit Dahiya. The tournament presents another opportunity for Kartik to bid for a strong outing on home soil against a competitive professional field.