Ahmedabad: Gaganjeet Bhullar gave himself a good start to the week of the Gujarat Kensville Challenge, where he emerged winner in the pro ranks in 2011. Bhullar led his team of young local golfers, Varun Parikh, Kairav Shah and Anshul Patel to a fine win in the Pro-Am held to start off the week’s activities.

Giving them a run for their money was the team led by Spanish professional Carlos Aguilar, who had Manhar Gohil, Pranay Parikh and Manish Choksi as his amateur teammates.

The prizes were given away by Parimal Nathwani, member of Raja Sabha, and Group President, Corporate Affairs, Reliance Industries.
Nathwani, who also inaugurated the Ayurveda Spa at the Kensville Golf and Country Club, said, “This course and the facilities here are absolutely world-class. I must complement everybody here for the great facilities.”

Nathwani, also Vice-President of Gujarat Cricket Association, added, “Golf and cricket are different kinds of sports. Golf is more aligned to business. Corporate golf also sees a lot of business discussions and relationships. Gujarat and Ahmedabad are coming up very nicely. We also have very good talent here. The Kensville Golf and Country Club is a great facility for the young golfers of Ahmedabad and Gujarat.”

Bhullar said, “I had an excellent round, but I must give a lot of credit to the youngsters, who played so well. I was very impressed them. Sometimes when Anshul drove the ball, he seemed to be doing so like the famous Canadian Major champion, Mike Weir, who is a left-hander. Anshul is also a left-hander. Varun and Kairav were also excellent to play and sank some great birdies.”

On the tournament, he added, “I am feeling great after this round. I think I must have said some eight or nine birdies, but the real contest begins tomorrow.”

In the skills division, Sameer Sinha won the ‘Closest to the Pin’ competition, while Parthiv Mehta had the Longest Drive.