In a spectacular early Christmas gift to himself, young golfer Sukhman Singh from Noida etched his name in history by winning the prestigious IGU 124th Amateur Golf Championship of India. The grand finale unfolded at the iconic Tollygunge Club in Kolkata on Sunday, where Singh displayed masterclass composure to lift the coveted trophy.
A Commanding Victory on the Green
Sukhman Singh delivered a performance for the ages in the 36-hole final match against Harman Sachdeva from Haryana. His victory was sealed in a decisive manner when the tournament director declared him the winner after he established an unassailable 7UP lead after 29 holes. This championship holds the distinguished record of being the world's longest-running amateur matchplay event, organized by the Indian Golf Union.
The final was a testament to Singh's strategic prowess and skill. Armed with a hot putter and a powerful long game, he consistently attacked the flags from the outset. The match was evenly poised till the sixth hole, but Singh shifted gears to go 4UP by the 12th hole. He maintained a 2UP advantage after the first 18 holes. Although Harman managed to reduce the deficit to three by the 23rd hole, Sukhman responded with a stunning display, sinking birdie after birdie to surge to a 6UP lead by the 25th hole, ultimately sealing the deal.
A Dream Realized and a Legacy Honored
An emotional Sukhman Singh shared his feelings after the monumental win. "It still feels like a dream, one has to pinch me even though in reality I have won," he said. He dedicated the victory to his family, especially his father, Simarjeet Singh, a former India No. 1 amateur, three-time Sri Lankan Amateur winner, and IGU Mid-Amateur champion. "My father is the one who kept pushing me and kept relying on me when I myself didn't. So, it is a time for me and my family to rejoice," Sukhman added.
Reflecting on his strategy, the champion golfer revealed his game plan. "I always knew this was not an 18-hole match and I have to sustain it for 36 holes. So, even if I lose out a couple of holes I had a lot many holes to make a comeback," he explained. Acknowledging his opponent's strength, he said, "I didn't want Harman in the final as he is a tough competitor. So, I kept attacking to get ahead and the tactic paid the right dividends at the end. My driving and putting were both good today and that helped."
A Stellar Season and International Acclaim
The 124th Amateur Golf Championship crown is the pinnacle of an already impressive season for Sukhman Singh. His year highlights include winning the IGU Rajasthan Amateur, finishing as the runner-up in the Andhra Pradesh Amateur event, and securing a fourth-place finish at the South African Amateur strokeplay event earlier in 2023.
Sukhman, who has also represented India at amateur events in South Africa and Japan, credited the Indian Golf Union (IGU) for his growth. "The IGU revived the national squad system and conducted national camps that helped strengthen friendship and camaraderie among team members. Also, playing in international events helps amateurs like me to evaluate and make improvements in our game," he stated, thanking the IGU for providing crucial exposure and opportunities on the global stage.
