Mumbai, Nov 20 (NationPress) Pranavi Urs triumphed over overnight leader Karandeep Kochhar, showcasing an exceptional performance at a crucial moment, and made history by securing victory in the IGPL Mumbai Invitation. She became the first Indian woman golfer to win a professional golf tournament while competing against men in the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) Tour.

Pranavi delivered an impressive 8-under 60, the best score of the week, at the par-68 Bombay Presidency Golf Club on the final day of the IGPL Invitational Mumbai.

In her IGPL debut, Pranavi, who was trailing her boyfriend Kochhar by two shots overnight, played consistently, achieving eight birdies, the last of which fittingly came on the 18th hole, finishing 14-under for the tournament compared to Kochhar’s 64, which included his second eagle of the day, totaling 12-under.

Kochhar praised Pranavi, stating, “I had a feeling she would win as she was playing exceptionally well. She outperformed everyone, and I realized early on that I would have to elevate my game to compete with her.”

On her historic win, Pranavi expressed, “I can’t put into words how I feel; I’m still processing the fact that I’ve won. Competing against the boys is a fantastic opportunity to gauge my game.”

“Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, the girls are excelling internationally, which gives me an advantage to gain this experience back home,” she added.

Kochhar commented on his performance, “I played well today with some good putts, but they just didn’t go in. I had opportunities, but Pranavi truly outplayed us all.”

“Leading by one and shooting a 4-under on the final day yet losing by two shots is no shame. One must acknowledge greatness, and Pranavi was outstanding today.”

Sachin Baisoya, still in pursuit of his first IGPL title, finished third for the fourth time in seven IGPL appearances. After a challenging front nine, he found his rhythm with birdies, finishing with a score of 11-under.

Last IGPL event winner, Pukhraj Singh Gill (67), ended at 8-under for the day, while amateur Ranveer Mitroo shone with a 7-under 61, securing a commendable fifth place.

Pranavi, in the lead group for the second consecutive day, began her birdie tally on the second hole, narrowing the gap with Kochhar. She gained momentum with back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, going four-under for the front nine. On the back nine, she maintained her lead and birdied the Par-5 16th, all but sealing her victory.

Pranavi, who played a bogey-free round, concluded with a birdie on the Par-5 18th, earning the trophy and a winner’s cheque of Rs. 22.50 lakh, while Kochhar, the runner-up, took home Rs. 15 lakh.

Pranavi expressed her joy at returning from a wrist injury that had hindered her earlier season, stating, “It was unfortunate timing in the middle of the season, but I managed to return strong and position myself for the upcoming LET card.”

Kochhar initially seemed to have a strong start with an eagle on the Par-5 fourth but faltered with a dropped shot on the sixth. Despite a late eagle, he couldn’t catch Pranavi, who capped her victory with a final birdie.

Indian-American Manav Shah (68) faced challenges, finishing sixth at 5-under, while IGPL debutant Vani Kapoor (64) found her form, ending Tied-seventh alongside veteran M Dharma (65) and Olympian Udayan Mane (69).

IGPL Order of Merit leader Aman Raj (70), alongside legends like SSP Chawrasia (68) and others, shared the tenth position at 2-under.