21-year-old, Nistha Madan, a recent Sacramento State University graduate made her professional debut today while playing at the 20th event on the Cactus Tour schedule at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Nishtha is the younger sibling of Astha Madan, a player on the LET and ALPG tours, who was her senior and a “hornet” (student-athlete) at the same college.
Photo: Noah Montgomery
When asked about her debut and her first professional round, Nishtha said, “I am enjoying pro golf, I would not be able to pursue my dreams without the full support of my parents, and I’m very grateful for them”. The younger Madan shot a round of 71 including five birdies and four birdies to stand tied-fifth with Cheyenne Woods, a LET winner and four-strokes behind the leader, Chayse Gomez (A) at 5-under 67.
Photo: Noah Montgomery
Astha, keenly followed her younger sister’s scores from her home in Gurgaon, said, “I am really excited for my sister to start a new chapter in her life and I cannot wait to travel and play together on tour.”
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Nishtha, who has represented India at prestigious events like The Women’s Amateur Championship, Women’s Australian Master of the Amateurs and Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship clinched her maiden collegiate title at the UW Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational with four-strokes over Kate Smith and Allysha Mae Mateo, last October, and reached as high as 306 on the WAGR, to become the leading Indian amateur at that time.
The Madan sisters are coached by Mr Noah Montgomery, based out of Sacramento, California, who is also a coach to Gaganjeet Bhullar, a record nine-time winner on the Asian Tour. Mr Montgomery who had six of his players at the tournament looked exhilarated to see his student turn pro and added, “I am very happy for Nishtha and the Madan family, not every day you get to see your players pro debut.”
The Pinnacle course at Troon North measures 6,310 yards off the women’s tees with par set at 72.
Nishtha will start her second round at 9.13 AM while with Cheyenne Woods in her group.