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Indian Golf Legend Vijay Kumar Dies at 57, PGTI Mourns Loss

Indian golf legend Vijay Kumar has passed away at the age of 57. The Professional Golf Tour of India confirmed the news and offered condolences. Kumar won the 2002 Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club and was a four-time Order of Merit champion. He represented India at the 1999 Alfred Dunhill Cup in Scotland and dominated domestic golf from the mid-1990s.

Key Points: Indian Golf Stalwart Vijay Kumar Passes Away at 57

  • Four-time Order of Merit winner
  • Won 2002 Indian Open
  • Turned professional in 1988
  • Represented India at 1999 Alfred Dunhill Cup
2 min read

Indian golf stalwart Vijay Kumar passes away at 57; PGTI offers condolences

Former Indian Open champion Vijay Kumar dies at 57. The four-time Order of Merit winner dominated Indian golf for a decade.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr. Vijay Kumar, a true giant of Indian golf - PGTI"

New Delhi, April 29

Former Indian Open champion and a stalwart of Indian golf Vijay Kumar, has passed away at the age of 57.

The Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) confirmed the news via social media on Wednesday and condoled the demise of a four-time Order of Merit winner.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr. Vijay Kumar, a true giant of Indian golf and a former Indian Open champion. Vijay's crowning glory was the 2002 Indian Open triumph at the Delhi Golf Club. Vijay also represented India at the Alfred Dunhill Cup 1999 played at St. Andrews in Scotland.

"His extraordinary accomplishments, a result of his talent, years of hard work, dedication and passion for the sport, have left a lasting impact on Indian golf and will continue to inspire future generations.

"Beyond his achievements, the ever-smiling Vijay will be remembered for his positive attitude, cheerful nature, great sense of humour and sportsmanship. On behalf of all professionals and officials of the DP World PGTI, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Vijay Kumar's family and friends," PGTI said.

Born in Lucknow on December 29, 1968, Vijay turned professional in 1988. He dominated Indian domestic golf from the mid-1990s to the early part of the next decade with an illustrious career marked by numerous titles. He emerged Order of Merit champion on the Indian professional circuit on as many as four occasions ( 1995-96, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000).

His crowning glory was the 2002 Indian Open triumph at the Delhi Golf Club. Vijay also represented India at the Alfred Dunhill Cup 1999 played at St. Andrews in Scotland.

He is one of only seven Indians to have won the Indian Open title. The Lucknow golfer was the joint runner-up at the 2006 Indian Open.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I had the privilege of watching him play once at the Delhi Golf Club. He had such a warm smile and positive energy on the course. True sportsman! My condolences to his family.
P
Priya S
So heartbreaking. 😢 Vijay Kumar was a giant in Indian golf, especially when you consider how tough domestic golf was back then. Four Order of Merit titles is incredible. Hope the PGTI does something special to honor his memory.
M
Michael C
A life cut too short at 57. He achieved so much for Indian golf – from Lucknow to St Andrews, that's a journey to be proud of. The ever-smiling Vijay will be missed. Om Shanti. 🙏
V
Vikram M
I remember reading about his 2002 Indian Open win – what a moment for Indian golf! They say he had such a great sense of humour. One wishes the media covered golf more so that legends like him get the recognition they deserve. Rest in peace, Vijay ji.
J
Joshua O
57 is far too young. Vijay Kumar's record speaks for itself – four Order of Merit titles and an Indian Open championship. He paved the way for a generation. My deepest condolences to his family. 🕊️
A
Ananya R

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