Did Umed Kumar Triumph on His Professional Debut at PGTI NexGen Forest Hill?

Synopsis
Umed Kumar's impressive win on his professional debut is a testament to his skills and determination. With a solid performance, he overcomes the competition, showcasing his potential for a bright future in golf. This victory not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also highlights the growing talent in Indian golf.
Key Takeaways
- Umed Kumar won his professional debut at the PGTI NexGen Forest Hill.
- He finished the tournament with an even-par total of 190.
- The final round's par was adjusted to 62.
- His performance included only one bogey on the final day.
- Umed expressed gratitude to his mentors and supporters.
Mohali, June 13 (NationPress) Tricity golfer Umed Kumar delivered a commendable performance with a score of one-over 63 in the final round, securing victory on his professional debut during the second leg of the PGTI NexGen Forest Hill Golf & Country Club 2025 held in S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab.
The 24-year-old from Chandigarh, Umed (61-66-63), entered the final round two shots off the lead but concluded the week with an even-par total of 190, winning by a margin of three strokes.
Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R. (61-64-68), the leader after round two, posted a six-over 68 on Friday to finish as the runner-up with a total of three-over 193. Kolkata’s Irfan Ali Mollah (63) claimed third place with a total of five-over 195.
The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club features a unique nine-hole course format, where each hole is played twice to complete a round. The par for the course was set at 64 during the first two rounds, and adjusted to 62 for the final round.
Umed Kumar, a former winner of two amateur titles before turning pro, exhibited remarkable consistency on day three, recording only one bogey on the 12th hole and making par on all other holes. His crucial par-saves from 30 feet on the last two holes stood out as the highlights of his round.
Hailing from the SEPTA golf course in Chandimandir, Umed also holds playing rights at Forest Hill Golf & Country Club and Panchkula Golf Club. His victory earned him a prize of Rs 2,54,300, placing him sixth on the PGTI NexGen Order of Merit.
Umed expressed, “I’m thrilled to have won my very first tournament as a professional. This win is a significant confidence booster for my career.”
“I focused on the fundamentals this week, hitting a lot of fairways and greens. My chipping and putting were top-notch. Today, I executed some vital par-saves on the final two holes due to my solid putting.”
He extended gratitude to PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl for the opportunity to participate in this event, and to his uncle and fellow pro golfer, Ravi, for his mentorship and encouragement.
A heartfelt thanks was also given to B S Gill, President of Forest Hill Golf & Country Club, for his unwavering support, along with appreciation for his home course, SEPTA and Panchkula Golf Club.
Mari Muthu R. had one birdie, five bogeys, and a double-bogey in his final round of 68, securing second place.
Lucknow’s Rajesh Kumar Gautam maintains the top position in the 2025 PGTI NexGen Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs 4,29,600.