Indian amateur golfer Kartik Singh made history at the International Series India, becoming the youngest player from the subcontinent to make the cut at an Asian Tour event. At just 15 years of age, Singh showcased his golfing skills at the DLF Golf and Country Club, carding a one-under-par 71, bringing his total to four-over at the halfway stage, successfully placing him comfortably above the cut line which was at eight-over, as tournament conditions saw players facing challenges from weather disruptions.
This marked Singh's second appearance in professional golf, having previously played only one event on the Asian Development Tour. Competing against some of the biggest names in golf, including two-time Major winner Bryson DeChambeau, local favorite Anirban Lahiri, and LIV Golf League star Joaquin Niemann, Singh found himself enjoying the tournament with mixed emotions of excitement and nerves. "It feels unreal playing with Bryson, because normally I'm looking at him on TV, and here I'm playing with him in the same tournament, so it's a great experience," he shared with ANI.
Singh’s round was marked by phenomenal play, particularly noted from his start where he was four-under after 11 holes before settling for one-under at the end of his round. "The experience was very good today. Today, I played quite well, I played one under. I was four under after 11 holes, but it's okay. I mean, I'm still happy with one under par on this course," Singh expressed, indicating his confidence and eagerness to perform well throughout the tournament.
These sentiments reflect not just his talent but also his dedication to the sport. Singh has honed his skills at the DLF Golf Academy, where he has received considerable support from his family and coach, whom he credits with guiding him throughout his career. "My family has always supported me since I started golf. My coach, 'DP' has helped me with my game, and DLF Golf Academy and Callaway have also helped me with my practice," he stated, emphasizing the teamwork behind his success.
Competing on this prestigious stage, Singh and other competitors faced obstacles from inclement weather conditions, which delayed round two, impacting scheduling and strategy for players. Despite these challenges, Singh's familiarity with the DLF Golf course proved advantageous as it is the site of much of his training. He noted, "I know if my game is at the level, and if I play my game, I'm able to compete with the pros." His success is emblematic of the growing talent pool among young golfers from India, tapping well-established facilities and support networks.
Other Indian players did well at the tournament, with Anirban Lahiri leading the pack at one-under. A total of ten Indians made the cut, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of Indian golfers on the international stage. Gaganjeet Bhullar stood as the next challenger with two-over, following Singh's impressive performance.
The International Series India is the inaugural event among ten planned tournaments for the 2025 season, underlining the growing globalization of golf and providing platforms for young talents like Singh to shine under professional scrutiny. With his foundation truly laid, Kartik Singh is certainly one to watch, with many anticipating his next steps on this promising path. The next event, International Series Macau presented by Wynn, is poised to bring more excitement as the golf season progresses.
Singh’s achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also sheds light on the potential of young golfers from the subcontinent ready to stake their claims on the international golf scene. With focused training, unwavering support, and the determination shown during this tournament, golf enthusiasts are eager to see how far Singh's talent will take him on the global stage.