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Key Points

Chandigarh-based Umed Kumar made a dream start to his professional career by winning the PGTI NEXGEN event at Forest Hill. The 24-year-old showed remarkable composure with just one bogey in his final round of 63. His crucial par-saves on the last two holes sealed the three-shot victory over Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R. The triumph earned Kumar ₹2.54 lakh and sixth place in the NEXGEN Order of Merit.

Key Points: Tricity golfer Umed Kumar wins PGTI NEXGEN debut at Forest Hill

  • Umed Kumar carded steady 63 in final round for 190 total
  • Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R finished runner-up at 193
  • Kolkata's Irfan Ali Mollah secured third place
  • Chandimandir golfer thanked mentor Ravi and Forest Hill's B S Gill
3 min read

Tricity golfer Umed Kumar wins on professional debut at PGTI NEXGEN

Chandigarh's Umed Kumar triumphs in professional debut with 3-shot victory at PGTI NEXGEN Forest Hill, earning ₹2.54 lakh prize money.

"I'm delighted to have won my very first tournament as a professional - Umed Kumar"

Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, June 14

Tricity golfer Umed Kumar fired a steady one-over 63 in the third and final round to win on his professional debut at the PGTI NEXGEN Forest Hill Golf and Country Club 2025 played in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab.

Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Umed (61-66-63), who was two shots behind the lead in second place after round two, totalled even-par 190 for the week as he triumphed with a three-shot margin.

Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R (61-64-68), the overnight leader, signed for a six-over 68 on Friday to finish runner-up at a total of three-over 193.

Kolkata's Irfan Ali Mollah (63) finished third with a total of five-over 195.

The Forest Hill Golf and Country Club is a nine-hole course where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round. In the first two rounds, the par for the course was 64, while in the third and last round, the par for the course was changed to 62.

Umed Kumar, who was a winner of two titles on the amateur tour prior to turning pro, was rock-solid on day three as he conceded just one bogey on the 12th and made pars on all other holes. His par-saves with two-putts from 30 feet on the last two holes were the highlight of his round.

Umed, who hails from the SEPTA golf course in Chandimandir and also has playing rights at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club and the Panchkula Golf Club, earned a winning cheque worth Rs 2,54,300 that placed him sixth in the PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit.

Umed said, "I'm delighted to have won my very first tournament as a professional. It's a big confidence-booster for my professional career. I just stuck to the basics this week and hit a lot of fairways and greens. My chipping and putting were also exceptional. Today I made some very crucial par-saves on the last two holes thanks to my solid putting that saw me home."

"I would like to thank PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl for giving me a spot at this event and thus an opportunity to prove myself. I also thank my uncle and fellow professional golfer Ravi for being my mentor, believing in me and encouraging me all the time. A big thank you to B S Gill, President of Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, who has been a great source of support as he has given me playing rights here at Forest Hill. At the same time, I would also like to thank my home course SEPTA, Chandimandir and Panchkula Golf Club for supporting me," added Umed.

Mari Muthu R made one birdie, five bogeys and a double-bogey during his last round of 68 to finish second.

Lucknow's Rajesh Kumar Gautam continues to lead the 2025 PGTI NEXGEN Order of Merit with season's earnings of Rs 4,29,600.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What an inspiring debut! Umed Kumar's performance shows the growing talent in Indian golf. His humble attitude and gratitude towards his mentors is so refreshing to see. More power to young athletes like him! 🇮🇳⛳
A
Amit S.
Great to see Punjab producing such sporting talent! The way he handled pressure in final rounds shows his mental toughness. Hope this win brings more attention to golf in North India beyond just cricket.
R
Rahul V.
While this is impressive, I wish media gave equal coverage to all sports. Golf gets attention because of elite connections. What about our kabaddi or kho-kho players who win internationally but get barely any recognition?
N
Neha P.
His putting skills were outstanding! That 30-foot par save must have been nerve-wracking. As someone who plays amateur golf, I know how difficult that is. Hope he gets sponsorships now to compete internationally.
S
Sanjay M.
Chandigarh tricity area is becoming a sports hub! First hockey, now golf. Good infrastructure and coaching makes all the difference. Forest Hill should host more such tournaments to promote the sport.
K
Kavita R.
The prize money seems quite low compared to international standards. ₹2.5 lakh for winning a professional tournament? Hope PGTI can attract better sponsors to support our golfers properly. Talent is there but needs financial backing.

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