Hua Hin, Thailand, 15-02-2014
Chikkarangappa finishes tied 41st, narrowly misses Asian Tour card
Kunal Bhasin makes the grade, Khalin Joshi misses out
India’s Chikkarangappa S came agonizingly close to earning his card for the 2014 Asian Tour season after posting a sedate two-over-73 in round four of the Asian Tour Qualifying School Final Stage. Chikkarangappa finished the week in tied 41st place with a total score of three-under-282 and missed qualification by one shot. Khalin Joshi, the other Indian to make the halfway cut, came up with a one-over-72 in the final round to finish tied 66th at two-over-287. Joshi also missed out on his Asian Tour card. PGTI member Kunal Bhasin of Australia earned his card after finishing tied 34th at four-under-281.
The top 40 players earned their Asian Tour cards for the 2014 season after the final round on Saturday. The winner was Akinori Tani of Japan with a tournament total of 11-under-274.
Chikkarangappa (69-73-67-73), who bagged the PGTI’s 2013 Emerging Player of the Year title, had started the day in tied 24th place giving himself a fair chance of qualifying for the continental tour. The Bangalore lad, who also finished second on the PGTI’s 2013 Rolex Rankings, had two birdies and four bogeys in his fourth round of 73 that took his total to three-under-282. Chikka had earlier managed to make the halfway cut by one shot on Thursday.
Khalin Joshi (74-67-74-72), another Bangalorean, was also unsuccessful in securing his Asian Tour card after finishing tied 66th as a result of his 72 in the final round. His tournament total read two-over-287.
PGTI member Kunal Bhasin (68-68-74-71) of Australia carded a steady even-par-71 to earn his Asian Tour card with a tied 34th finish and a tournament total of four-under-281.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
