JOIN USLocal lad S Chikkarangappa returns to his favourite hunting ground -- the Karnataka Golf Association -- in a bid to maintain his spotless record intact when the Tata Steel Southern India Amateur Golf Championship tees off here on Tuesday.
Although Chikkarangappa belongs to the Eagleton Golf Resort, KGA has been a second home for the talented and hard-working teenager who has never lost a junior or amateur event at the par-72 course in five appearances. And the 18-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better pit stop to gain more momentum after struggling for the better part of the season before finding his winning touch last week in Chennai.
Things, however, won’t be that easy for Chikkarangappa with the in-form and Order of Merit leader Khalin Joshi breathing down his neck and a strong field to contend with. KGA lad Khalin, who plans to turn professional at the end of this year, is appearing in what may be his final amateur event, and nothing would give him more motivation than bidding a glorious goodbye at his home course.
Having played second fiddle to Chikkarangappa for the better part of his junior career, Khalin has enjoyed a very successful 2012. He has posted three victories, two runner-up and one third-place finish in five appearances so far.
While the contest between the Karnataka duo is expected to hog the limelight, other youngsters capable of stealing the title are local lads Syed Saqib Ahmed and Trishul Chinnappa and Ashbeer Singh Saini and Honey Baisoya.A