15-year-old Kartik Singh, the youngest and only Indian player on the winning Asia-Pacific All-Star Team this year, contributed 3 valuable points
The stage was set at the picturesque European Tour venue – Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al-Khaimah, an hour outside Dubai, with rising Indian star 15-year-old Kartik Singh playing a stellar role on the Asia-Pacific All-Star Team where he rubbed shoulders with players between two and 7 years older at The Ryder Cup-style Bonallack Trophy against Team Europe.
In a gripping contest that went down to the wire, the Asia-Pacific team, under non-playing captain Rishi Narain, emerged victorious in the 2025 match between the 12-member All-Star Amateur Men’s Team from Asia-Pacific against their counterparts from Team Europe with a razor-thin margin of 16½-15½. This closely-fought win marked Asia-Pacific’s third consecutive triumph in the biennial event, marking their longest winning streak in the history of the prestigious championship.
Although Kartik lost his singles match 3&2 to Iceland’s Árni Sveinsson, he helped contribute 3 valuable points to the team’s ledger by halving two and winning two of his foursome and fourball matches.
For young talent like Kartik Singh, the experience gained from competing at the Bonallack Trophy will serve as a springboard for greater accomplishments. For captain Rishi Narain, the victory is yet another chapter in his storied career as a leader and mentor.
APGC All-Star team captains Rishi Narain (2nd from left) and Joanne McKee (2nd from right) with Caroline Huskyes (left-most) – European Golf Association President, General Abdullah Al Hashmi (centre) – Vice Chairman Emirates Golf Federation, and Taimur Hassan Amin (right-most) – APGC Chairman
“After all the time and effort everyone puts in, it’s such a magical feeling to lift the trophy at the end of the week,” said Narain. “This victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of our team.”
The final day’s singles matches were filled with twists and turns. Europe struck first, with Spain’s Jose Luis Ballester, ranked fourth in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), securing a commanding 5&4 victory over Singapore’s Hiroshi Tai. Ballester’s perfect 5-0 record was a highlight for Europe.
Asia-Pacific’s Zhou Ziqin delivered a crushing 6&4 win over Sweden’s Algot Kleen, but Europe regained momentum with wins by Benjamin Reuter and Sveinsson. As the tension mounted, New Zealand’s Zack Swanwick and Japan’s Rintaro Nakano posted crucial victories for Asia-Pacific.
With only two matches left on the course, the fate of the trophy hung in the balance. Vietnam’s Nguyen Anh Minh halved his match with Estonia’s Richard Teder after a dramatic 18th hole. Meanwhile, Thai golfer Phichaksin Maichon delivered the decisive blow with a 2&1 victory over England’s Charlie Forster, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Asia-Pacific contingent.
The 2025 Bonallack Trophy will be remembered not just for its thrilling finale but also for its celebration of golf’s spirit of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and excellence. With Asia-Pacific narrowing Europe’s overall lead to 7-5, the stage is set for another captivating showdown in 2027.