S.A.S. Nagar (Punjab), June 12
Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R.
(61-64), the overnight joint leader, carded an even-par 64 to move into the sole lead at a total of three-under 125 on day two of the PGTI NexGen event being played at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club in S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab. Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Umed Kumar (61-66), the other overnight joint leader who is making his pro debut this week, returned a two-over 66 in round two to drop one spot and end the day in second place at a total of one-under 127.
Bangladesh's Md Razu (65-65) was placed third at a total of two-over 130. The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is a par-64 nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round.
The cut was applied at 10-over 138. Forty-one professionals progressed to the third and final round.
Mari Muthu R., the overnight joint leader who is searching for his maiden professional title, made a slow start on Thursday with two birdies, three bogeys, and a double-bogey over the first 12 holes, where he struggled with his putting.
After being three-over for the day through 12 holes, the 40-year-old Mari Muthu made a splendid recovery with three birdies over the last six holes, landing his wedge shots within four feet on all three occasions.
Mari Muthu said, "It was very windy, therefore it was tough to control the shots, and that reflected in the scores. My wedge play and chipping were excellent for the second straight day. But it was an ordinary day with the putter for me. I missed a lot of short putts.
"I managed to regain my momentum from the 13th hole onwards, where I hit a terrific chip shot to set up a tap-in birdie. Thereafter, I played very well till the end. I now feel confident going into the final round."
Umed Kumar made two bogeys during his second round of 66.
Tricity lad Umed Kumar made his professional debut in style on Wednesday as he shot a three-under 61 to jointly lead the opening round along with Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R. in the fourth event of the PGTI NexGen season.
While Umed Kumar, the 24-year-old from Chandimandir's SEPTA golf course, struck four birdies and a bogey, Mari Muthu came up with six birdies and three bogeys. Sachin Chouhan of Mhow was placed third at one-under 63, while Kolkata's Irfan Ali Mollah carded an even-par 64 to be placed fourth.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great to see Indian golfers performing well! Mari Muthu's comeback after 12 holes shows real experience. Hope he clinches his first title tomorrow 🇮🇳⛳ The young Umed Kumar is also impressive in his pro debut - future of Indian golf looks bright!
Interesting to see Bangladesh's Md Razu in top 3! Golf is growing across South Asia. But our Indian players are showing great skills - that wedge play by Mari Muthu sounds incredible. Hope the final round gets good coverage on sports channels.
The course conditions seem challenging with that wind. Respect to all players for competing in tough weather. Though I wish PGTI would choose more standard par-72 courses - these modified courses don't give true test of golf skills.
So proud to see Chandigarh's Umed Kumar doing well! Local boy making waves in his pro debut 😊 The SEPTA golf course has produced some good players. Hope he maintains his composure in final round - pressure must be intense!
Mari Muthu's experience really showed in that recovery. At 40, he's proving age is just a number in golf! Meanwhile, young guns like Umed are bringing fresh energy. This mix of youth and experience is perfect for Indian golf's growth.
Would love to see more women participants in these tournaments. PGTI should actively encourage female golfers too. That said, great sportsmanship on display here - especially how Mari Muthu handled the putting struggles. Golf is such a mental game!
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