Kolkata Challenge Golf: England's Joshua Berry Seals Playoff Win

Kolkata, March 16 (NationPress) The remarkable journey of 19-year-old English golfer Joshua Berry culminated in a playoff triumph at the USD 3,00,000 Kolkata Challenge 2025 held at the prestigious Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC).

Joshua Berry (72-62-70-73), who previously set a course record of 10-under 62 during the second round, recorded a modest one-over 73 on the final day, bringing his total to 11-under 277 alongside three challengers: Norway's Andreas Halvorsen (69-66-71-71), Austria's Lukas Nemecz (67-70-68-72), and India's Om Prakash Chouhan (66-68-73-70).

The four contenders proceeded to a playoff, where Joshua emerged victorious with a stunning 19-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole.

Halvorsen, Nemecz, and Chouhan concluded as joint runners-up. Chouhan, who faced difficulties with short putts, was eliminated after missing a three-footer for par on the first playoff hole, while Halvorsen and Nemecz fell short against Berry on the second playoff hole.

Chouhan's second-place finish earned him a prize of Rs 20,64,000, elevating him 41 positions in the PGTI Order of Merit 2025.

Joshua, who began the day as the overnight leader by a single stroke, experienced a slow start, yielding two bogeys on the front nine. However, he made a pivotal tap-in birdie on the 15th hole to regain momentum. He made par on the first playoff hole alongside Halvorsen and Nemecz, before clinching victory with his 19-foot birdie on the second playoff hole.

Reflecting on his inaugural HotelPlanner Tour title, Joshua stated, “Today wasn’t my best round, but staying patient and controlling my emotions paid off. Every aspect of my game was on point this week, especially my mental focus.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. This victory is significant for my confidence. I realize I can achieve this now, which is crucial.

“I felt some nerves, but that’s part of the game. I can’t wait to relive that playoff putt.

“Entering a playoff, confidence is essential, but it’s nerve-wracking. You desperately want to win, so I focused on hitting one good shot at a time. Fortunately, I made that putt on the second extra hole. It’s a game of fine margins.”

Chouhan, age 38, who was tied for fifth and three shots off the lead after the third round, struggled with his putting rhythm on Sunday, missing short putts that led to two bogeys on the front nine despite making one birdie.

Chouhan, a past winner on the HotelPlanner Tour and at the RCGC in 2023, performed better on the back nine, achieving three birdies, including a tap-in on the 11th and a 10-foot conversion on the 13th, moving him into contention.

Despite briefly leading on the back nine, Chouhan missed a vital opportunity for victory on the 18th when his 15-foot birdie putt lipped out.

On the first playoff hole, Chouhan missed another short three-foot putt, resulting in a bogey that eliminated his chances.

Chouhan remarked, “I struck the ball well today, landing within five feet for three of my birdies. However, I couldn’t find my putting rhythm, leading to missed short putts that proved decisive.

“It was one of those days when nothing went according to plan. I feel quite disappointed about missing the victory after being in contention.”

SSP Chawrasia and Samarth Dwivedi both scored 67 to significantly improve their standings on the final day. SSP climbed 18 places to secure sixth at nine-under 279, while Samarth advanced 22 spots to finish tied for seventh at eight-under 280.