15-year-old Harjai Milkha Singh won his first National title
Harjai Milkha Singh, the 15-year-old son of Indian golfing icon Jeev Milkha Singh, captured his first National Junior title at the IGU Southern India Junior Boys, held at the Coimbatore Golf Club from May 27-30, holding off Maharashtra’s Siddhant Nathan in a sudden-death playoff to take the Junior title with a total score of 9-over 297.
Harjai’s win continues a growing trend of second-generation Indian athletes making an impact in the world of golf:
- Veer Ganapathy, son of former pro Rahul Ganapathy, won the IGU Telangana Amateur Championship earlier this year.
- Zorawar Randhawa, son of 8-time Asian Tour winner Jyoti Randhawa, won the WAGR and JGS-ranked Champions Links Challenge in Gurugram in 2020.
- Krishen Atwal, son of PGA TOUR veteran Arjun Atwal, is pursuing competitive basketball and currently plays for the University of South Carolina Beaufort, aspiring for a future in the NBA.
As junior golf in India gains traction, the presence of these legacy names underscores a new generation of talent ready to carry forward India’s rich sporting pedigree.
Playing through challenging conditions marked by persistent rain, gusty winds, and rapidly changing green conditions, Harjai shot rounds of 75-74-76-72, tying with Siddhant, who he prevailed over in a sudden death playoff.
Currently a 10th-grade student in Chandigarh, Harjai credits his father, Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Jeev Milkha Singh, and coach Jesse Grewal for shaping his mindset and game. Jeev, who is competing on the international senior circuit in Korea, congratulated his son remotely but, as Harjai shared, quickly reminded him to refocus and continue the process.
“He told me to stay in the process and trust my instincts,” Harjai said. “Winning the title feels special, but I know he would want me to move on quickly and prepare for what’s next.”
Golf runs deep in the family. While Harjai initially dabbled in cricket and football, it was golf that has currently captured his focus helped no doubt by playing alongside his father at the Jersey Legends Cup on the European Legends Tour.
Looking ahead, Harjai will compete in two events under the Thailand Golf Association before traveling to the United States for two American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) events—the Huntsville Junior and the Tuscaloosa Junior Championship. He also plans to enter the qualifying rounds of the US Amateur National Golf Championships, an ambitious next step in his competitive journey.
“I want to take this momentum forward,” Harjai said. “The next few months are important.”