S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, 11-06-2025
Tricity lad Umed Kumar makes pro debut in style, jointly leads opening round along with Mari Muthu at PGTI NEXGEN Forest Hill Golf & Country Club
Tricity lad Umed Kumar made his professional debut in style as he shot a three-under 61 to jointly lead the opening round along with Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R at the fourth event of the PGTI NEXGEN season being played at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club in S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab.
While Umed Kumar, the 24-year-old from Chandimandir’s SEPTA golf course, struck four birdies and a bogey, Mari Muthu came up with six birdies and three bogeys.
Sachin Chouhan of Mhow was placed third at one-under 63 while Kolkata’s Irfan Ali Mollah carded an even-par 64 to be placed fourth.
The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is a par-64 nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round.
Umed Kumar, a winner of two amateur titles including the Eastern India Amateur in 2023, made a dream start to his pro career thanks to his exceptional short-game. He sank a couple of birdies from a range of 12 to 15 feet and also chipped-in for birdie on the fourth hole.
Umed said, “I’m delighted to make a good start in my first-ever professional event. This gives me a lot of confidence going ahead. I negotiated the windy conditions well and played some solid golf as I found all fairways and missed just three greens.
“I’m quite familiar with this golf course as I have playing rights here so that is an added advantage for me. I know where to land my approaches and which side I can afford to miss the greens, if at all.”
Mari Muthu, the co-leader, was outstanding with his wedge shots and chipping as he landed it within five feet on four occasions to set up birdies.
Kolkata’s Khokan Molla made a hole-in-one on the 18th during his round of 78.
About Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI):
The Professional Golf Tour of India serves as the official governing and sanctioning body for men's professional golf in India and is a recognized member of the 'International Golf Federation' and the 'International Federation of PGA Tours'. PGTI also enjoys a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour (European Tour). PGTI events offer 'Official World Golf Ranking' (OWGR) points. Global logistics leader DP World is the Title Partner and Official Umbrella Partner of the PGTI. The PGTI is led by its President, Padma Bhushan Shri. Kapil Dev, an iconic sporting legend who continues to inspire athletes and audiences nationwide.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
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