*J&K emerges as a Premier Golf Tourism Destination: Mudgal
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 26: In an exhilarating finale, Delhi-based rookie Shaurya Bhattacharya’s late flourish on the final day earned him a dramatic come-from-behind victory and his maiden professional title at Rs 50 lakh J&K Open 2024 presented by J&K Tourism played at the Jammu Tawi Golf Course (JTGC) in Jammu.
The 21-year-old Shaurya (67-69-73-69), playing his first season on the PGTI, showed great character to card the joint lowest score of the round, an error-free three-under 69, on a tough final day where almost every golfer struggled, to total 10-under 278 for the week and become the first rookie to win on the PGTI in five years.
The J&K Open golf tournament, organized by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), continues to reinforce Jammu’s status as a premier golf tourism destination. Hosted at the scenic Jammu Tawi Golf Course, this year’s event exemplifies the harmonious integration of sports and culture, attracting 126 golfers from across India and six countries.
During the prize distribution ceremony, Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary Tourism J&K, presented the winner’s prize to Shaurya Bhattacharya, the champion of this year’s J&K Open. He received the prestigious rolling trophy emblazoned with the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge (World’s Highest Railway Bridge) a symbol of engineering excellence and regional pride.
Mudgal highlighted J&K’s emergence as a premier golf tourism destination, showcasing its world-class courses, including the Jammu Tawi Golf Course, Royal Springs Golf Course, and Pahalgam Golf Course.
She said Golf serves as a crucial driver of tourism, attracting a diverse array of visitors. The J&K Open not only enhances the region’s visibility but also underscores its significance in India’s growing golf tourism sector by promoting local heritage and providing unique experiences for participants.
Vivekanand Rai, Director of Tourism, Jammu, informed that a Familiarization (FAM) trip was organized for participants at Amar Mahal and other key tourist destinations. Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Joint Director Tourism, highlighted that the Dogra Food Festival provided participants with authentic culinary flavors of Jammu. She further added that exclusive souvenirs were crafted for the participants showcasing the region’s iconic tourist destinations.
Manav Gupta, JKAS, Secretary of Jammu Tawi Golf Course, asserted that the J&K Open exemplifies the confluence of sports and culture, establishing Jammu as a preferred golf destination. Uttam Singh Mundy, CEO, PGTI, expressed gratitude to J&K Tourism and the Jammu Tawi Golf Course for their unwavering support, which has been pivotal to the tournament’s ongoing success.
The tournament will culminate in a Pro-Am event on October 27, offering amateurs the exclusive opportunity to compete alongside seasoned professionals, thereby reinforcing the spirit of camaraderie and excellence that defines this distinguished tournament. Additionally, this day will feature the second day of the Dogra Food Festival.
Savita Chouhan, Deputy Director (Publicity), Jammu; Shoket Ahmed, Deputy Director (Administration); Sham Abrol, General Manager, Arif Lone, Assistant Director (NHW); Alka Misra, Assistant Director, Katra; and Muzamil Hassan Assistant Director, officials from PGTI and other distinguished members of the Department were also present.
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