Veer Ahlawat Named Order of Merit Champion, Concluding a Record-Breaking 2024 PGTI Season

New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) With Veer Ahlawat being honored as the new Order of Merit Champion, the 2024 season of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) concluded as a year of remarkable accomplishments, highlighted by players achieving unprecedented prize-money earnings. Ahlawat raised the bar in the Order of Merit race for the 2024 PGTI Rankings, amassing a historic ₹1,56,35,724, surpassing the previous record established in 2023.

As we approach the end of 2024, PGTI President Kapil Dev praised this season as the best in his final review of the year.

"The 2024 PGTI season marked a landmark year for Indian professional golf, characterized by record-setting achievements, broadened global appeal, and significant leadership transitions," stated Kapil Dev, the renowned cricket legend who was named India's Player of the Century.

According to Kapil Dev, the season's highlights include numerous record-breaking feats.

Events & Prize Money: The season featured 21 events with an unprecedented total prize pool of ₹33 crore, significantly enhancing the prestige of the PGTI.

New Order of Merit Champion:

Veer Ahlawat was recognized as the 2024 TATA Steel PGTI Ranking Champion. He achieved an astounding ₹1,56,35,724, breaking the previous record from 2023. The top 10, top 20, and top 30 earners each exceeded ₹44 lakh, ₹31 lakh, and ₹22 lakh, respectively, showcasing the increasing financial rewards available on the tour.

The season saw a total of 19 different winners across 21 tournaments, including four first-time victors, highlighting the growing competitiveness within the field. The average winning score was an impressive 17-under, with four events concluding in playoffs. Winners hailed from both India and abroad.

Additionally, the season experienced a transition in leadership with Kapil Dev taking the role of President of the PGTI in June 2024, succeeding Srinivasan H.R, with ambitions to create more opportunities for Indian golfers. Former professional golfer Amandeep Johl stepped in as the new CEO, succeeding Uttam Singh Mundy, and is expected to leverage his extensive experience to foster the tour's growth.

Global Expansion & New Events:

The 2024 season included four international events, such as the Hero Indian Open (co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour) and the HSBC India Legends Championship (marking its debut on the Legends Tour). New domestic tournaments were also introduced, including the Mysuru Open (debuting at Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club), the Poona Club Open, and the Vishwa Samudra Open presented by Kapil Dev.

Star Performers:

Veer Ahlawat stood out with two victories, including the season-closing TATA Steel Tour Championship, nine top-10 finishes, and a DP World Tour card for 2025.

Emerging Talent:

Shaurya Binu (two-time winner) and Shaurya Bhattacharya (Rookie of the Year) affirmed their status as future stars. Rayhan Thomas, a professional golfer of Indian descent from the UAE, won on his debut in the PGTI and secured cards for the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour and Challenge Tour. International champions Gaganjeet Bhullar and Ajeetesh Sandhu continued to excel with significant victories.

Growing Foreign Presence:

The 2024 season recorded a historic influx of international players from countries including the USA, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Chile, Japan, and South Korea, enhancing the global standing of the tour.

With strong performances, leadership changes, and an expanding international footprint, the TATA Steel PGTI is set for even greater achievements in 2025. The focus remains on nurturing talent, widening the tour's reach, and firmly establishing Indian golf on the global stage.