Chandigarh golfer Umed lifts PGTI trophy

Local golfer Umed Kumar fired a steady 1-over 63 in the third and final round to win on his professional debut at the PGTI NEXGEN being held at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club in Mohali.

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Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Kumar (61-66-63), who was two shots behind the lead in second place after round two, totalled even-par 190 for the week as he triumphed with a three-shot margin. Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R (61-64-68), the overnight leader, signed for a 6-over 68 on Friday to finish runner-up at a total of three-over 193.

Kolkata’s Irfan Ali Mollah (63) finished third with a total of five-over 195. In the first two rounds, the par for the course was 64 while in the third and last round the par for the course was changed to 62.

Kumar, who was a winner of two titles on the amateur tour prior to turning pro, was rock solid on Day 3 as he conceded just one bogey on the 12th and made pars on all other holes. His par-saves with two putts from 30 feet on the last two holes were the highlight of his round. Coming from the SEPTA golf course in Chandimandir and Panchkula Golf Club, Kumar earned a winning cheque worth Rs 2,54,300 that placed him sixth in the PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit.

“I just stuck to the basics this week and hit a lot of fairways and greens. My chipping and putting were also exceptional. Today, I made some very crucial par-saves on the last two holes, thanks to my solid putting that saw me home,” said Kumar. He further added, “I thank my uncle and fellow professional golfer Ravi for being my mentor, believing in me and encouraging me all the time.”

Mari Muthu R made one birdie, five bogeys and a double-bogey during his last round of 68 to finish second. Lucknow’s Rajesh Kumar Gautam continues to lead the 2025 PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit with season’s earnings of Rs 4,29,600.