We recently reported that the PGTI Tour had attracted a few more foreign players this year, thanks to rising domestic purses to around Rs 1.5 crores each week !
And sure enough in the season opener, it was the unheralded 36-year-old American Jhared Hack who shot rounds of 63-61-63-59 to finish at a staggering 30-under 246 on the short 6000 yard Fairway Golf & Lake Resort course and win the SECL Chhattisgarh Open by five shots.
Hack earned his playing rights only a week ago after finishing runner-up at the Final Stage of the PGTI Qualifying Tournament, and immediately capitalised on the new opportunities.
“Everything’s been run flawlessly so far,” Hack said over the phone. “Love the app for booking practice tees—keeps it organized. Player dining’s excellent, staff and players are welcoming, and weekly balls/gloves are a bonus. Feels a lot like KFT, minus the crowds last week.
“This win means the world. It locks in my spot for seasons ahead on a growing tour, with purses and opportunities only improving. Massive confidence boost—excited to get back at it this week!”
All eyes were on 16 year old Kartik Singh who made his PGTI debut finishing a creditable 4th at 22 under par alongside former PGTI No. 1 Veer Ahlawat.
Qualifying School champion Shubham Jaglan, who recently graduated from University of South Florida, was at the Asian Tour’s Philippine Open this week since he has set his sights on a more international career.
Hack’s victory is the latest stop in a remarkably well-travelled career. A standout amateur from Orlando, he captured the Western Junior Amateur in 2006 and the prestigious Western Amateur in 2007, where he beat future PGA TOUR winners Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson in match play. Since turning professional, Hack has competed across the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Latinoamérica, the Canadian circuit and events around the world, while also piling up 58 victories on minor tours across the United States.
Now based in Las Vegas, Hack has found his next stage in India — and made an unforgettable first impression.
The tour now heads to New Delhi for the Rs 1.5 crores DP World Players Championship at Qutab Golf Course from Feb. 10-13.
Photo – PGTI
