Historic Floodlit Pro-Am Tournament Elevates Golf in Mangaluru
The Pilikula Golf Club (PGC) in Mangaluru made history by hosting a spectacular floodlit Pro-Am Mangaluru Cup on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. This innovative event, which commenced at 4 pm, brought together more than 10 professional golfers from across India alongside enthusiastic amateur players, creating a unique platform for mentorship and competitive growth.
A New Benchmark for Golf in India
Captain Manoj Kumar Shetty of PGC emphasized that the tournament is setting a new benchmark for golf in the country. Conceived and executed under the guidance of deputy commissioner and PGC president Darshan HV, the event was designed to promote the growth of golf in Mangaluru and establish a strong, sustainable competitive ecosystem. Shetty highlighted that the successful execution showcases what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to advancing the game, firmly placing Pilikula Golf Club on the national golfing map.
Professional and Amateur Synergy
A key highlight of the event was the remarkable commitment displayed by the professional golfers, who engaged closely with amateur players, offering them a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with top-tier talent. The professional field featured notable names such as:
- Aman Raj
- Aryan Roopa Anand
- Divyanshu Bajaj
- M Dharma
- Aalaap IL
- Yashas Chandra MS
- Udayan Mane
- Khalin Joshi
- Sneha Singh
- Avani Prashanth
- Chikkarangappa S
- Samarth Dwivedi
These professionals played alongside amateur golfers from Karnataka and other states, with their participation playing a vital role in mentoring, inspiring, and elevating the overall experience for the amateurs.
Innovative Auction-Based Format and Floodlit Play
The tournament adopted an innovative auction-based Pro-Am format, allowing amateurs to bid for the chance to play alongside top professionals. This unique structure not only created an enriching learning environment but also fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among participants. The addition of floodlit play further enhanced the excitement, visibility, and appeal of the event, making it a standout occasion in the golfing calendar.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
The successful organization of this tournament was made possible through meticulous planning and coordination by Pilikula Golf Club, in association with D5 Sports and Callaway. Shetty added that PGC 2.0 has already been launched, and there are keen plans to move forward with PGC 3.0 soon. He noted that golfers, including professionals who visited the renovated PGC, expressed their happiness and were impressed with the current facilities, underscoring the club's commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in the sport.
