Karan Kamte registered a thrilling win at the Willingdon Open
Both Wilingdon Sports Club and Bombay Presidency GC ( BPGC) held their open club championships in successive weeks in a new trend across the country.
WILLINGDON OPEN
The inaugural edition of the Willingdon Open was played on March 2-3 which drew over 160 players from across Western India.
Following 36 holes of strokeplay, top-seeded contender Khushaal Thackersey made a come from behind charge to be tied with dark horse, Karan Kamte, at 6 over par, thanks to Kamte’s nerve-wracking birdie putt on the final hole.
The deadlock led to a gripping 3-hole Match-Play playoff. In a stunning turn of events, Kamte emerged victorious, securing the championship title of the inaugural Willingdon Open.
Sudhir Patel won the Seniors category while Radha Matthai claimed the Ladies category.
The event ended with an electrifying performance by A26, India’s premier band flown in from Goa to serenade the attendees, making the festivities truly unforgettable.
BLACK MEDAL BPGC
Kushaal Thackersey receiving his Black Medal Trophy
The following week, BPGC’s Black Medal tournament took place on March 9-10, 2024. This time Kushaal Thackersey, who had finished as the runner-up at the Willingdon Open, made no mistake, securing a convincing victory after carding classy rounds of 73-71 while playing off the championship tees with demanding pin positions.
The Delhi Golf Club is hosting their 72 hole club championship this week while DLF GC in Gurgaon will hold their 72 hole strokeplay club championship in April first week after the Hero Indian Open is completed.
With club leagues and inter-club tournaments igniting competitive fires within their memberships, the introduction of 36, 54 and 72 hole stroke-play events with no handicaps given, is a welcome addition to the Indian golf calendars.