Nine-year-old city golfer shines at US meet

Nine-year-old city-based golfer Gairat Kaur Kahlon became the first from India to qualify for the Drive Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in the United States.

Among a host of junior golfers to take part in the 348 Local Qualifiers across the US’ 50 states, she won the 7-9 age category competition. She went on to clinch one of the 62 Sub-Regional Qualifiers, before finally becoming one of only 10 players in her age group to showcase her skills at one of the most venerable golf courses in the world.

Kaur also became only the second Indian woman to play at Augusta National, after Avani Prashant.

To qualify for the finals, she excelled in two stage qualifiers, one at Stonebridge Golf Club (North Carolina) and the second at Grandover Golf Club (Tennessee). Her stellar performance in Tennessee earned her a coveted spot at Augusta.

“I am very proud of her. And, it is just the start. She still has a long way to go. Back at the tournament venue, she was greeted by Condoleeza Rice, the former US foreign secretary,” said her father, Captain Guramardeep Singh. The youngster has showcased her talent both at the national and international stages.