JOIN USIn an impressive performance from the country’s amateurs, five out of the six competing in the Indian Open made the cut, a brilliant improvement compared to last year when none could make the weekend action.
Led by two-time All India Amateur champion S Chikkarangappa, who shot a brilliant three-under 68 for a two-day total of 140, four others, including current IGU Order of Merit leader Khalin Joshi (72, 71), Udayan Mane (73, 69), Angad Cheema (72, 71) and Honey Baisoya (69, 75) remained to fight it out with 76 professionals in the business end of the event at the KGA. The only one missing out was Gagan Verma, who shot 72 and 81 respectively.
“I have played at this course so often and I love it,” said a beaming Chikkarangappa, who won his second All India amateur crown at the same course two years ago. “Playing with the pros is always a great experience and doing so in a big event like this at home has boosted my confidence,” added the 19-year-old who missed the cut last year at the Delhi Golf Club after shooting 70 in the first round but went kaput with a disappointing 85 in the second.
KGA boy Khalin, who recently smashed a mind-boggling 10-under 62 to break the course record set by Jyoti Randhawa, also seemed delighted with his effort and is hoping to add another chapter to an impressive season where he was won four amateur titles.