Indian Golfers Make Strong Start at US Kids World Teen Championships in Pinehurst
India’s young golfers showcased their skills and talent on the first day of the US Kids World Teen Championships held in Pinehurst. Mahreen Bhatia, Kartik Singh, and Lavanya Gupta, representing India, made their mark by securing top positions in their respective categories.
In the Girls 14 category, Mahreen Bhatia, who finished second at the US Kids European Championships two months ago, displayed her prowess by delivering an outstanding performance. Starting with a bogey, she quickly bounced back with birdies on the third and eighth holes, ending the front nine at 1-under. Despite a bogey on the 12th, she rallied with three birdies on the 15th, 17th, and 18th holes, finishing with an impressive 3-under 69. Her score put her in third place behind Macie Rasmussen (67) and Maria Isabella Errichetto (68).
Kartik Singh, the winner of the FCG Callaway World Junior 2023 Championships, also left a lasting impression in the Boys 13 category. Singh showcased his skills on the back nine of the Longleaf course, recording birdies on the 13th, 14th, and 18th holes, along with an eagle on the 16th. His scorecard displayed a commendable four birdies and an eagle against three bogeys. Singh currently shares the third position with American Vladimir Parker and Thai Poramit Sangmanee. Ajalawich Anantasethakul (65) and Rory Asselta (67) occupy the top two spots.
Among the other Indian participants, Vihaan Jain (76) and Arshvant Srivastava (80) faced a challenging start in the Boys 13 category. Lavanya Gupta, the third Indian golfer to excel on the opening day, secured a tied fifth position with an even par 72 in the Girls 15-18 category at Pinehurst No. 5. With a birdie on the 16th and a bogey on the 14th, Gupta’s steady round kept her within striking distance. Denmark’s Dagmar Soerensen leads the category with a round of 70, while three players shot 71 each.
Udai Aditya Middha and Ranveer Mitroo displayed solid performances, ending in a tied 15th position with scores of 2-over 74 each in the Boys 14 category at Pinehurst No. 8. Tejas Mishra, on the other hand, finished Tied-37th with a score of 76. In the Boys 15-18, Ranveer Singh Dhupia recorded a 4-over 76, while Asara Sawhney in the Girls 13 category at Pine Needles finished T-33 with a score of 83.
A total of ten Indian golfers are participating in the US Kids Golf World Teen Championships, with an additional twelve set to tee up at the US Kids Worlds for Boys and Girls aged six to twelve next week. The tournament is not only a prestigious event but also offers participants opportunities to earn ranking points and gain exposure at an international level.
The US Kids Golf World Teen Championship has witnessed the emergence of world-class players, including top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, Major winners Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas, and Sahith Theegala. Women stars such as Lexi Thompson and recent US Women’s Open winner Allisen Corpuz have also found success in their early careers through their involvement in US Kids events. India’s top professional woman golfer, Aditi Ashok, and top amateur Avani Prashanth have also showcased their talent and skills at US Kids events.
As India’s young golfers continue to leave a mark on the international stage, their achievements serve as a testament to their dedication and commitment. With their impressive performances at the US Kids World Teen Championships, they have established themselves as strong contenders and are poised to make India proud in the world of golf.
