New Delhi: Ranked 2nd on Indian Golf Union’s (IGU) amateur tour Viraj Madappa has ended up as runners up in Under-18 category at the Faldo Series Asia grand final at Mission Hills, China. The Kolkata-lad finished second in his category but his score of 6-under 210 also got him a fourth spot in the overall tournament. Playing against 90 golfers from 18 countries, Madappa played his heart out but lost to the eventual winner Simon Zach from Czech Republic by 3 strokes. Interestingly, this was Madappada’s first outing at this R&A world amateur golf ranking event, as he had to miss it twice owing to his academic examinations.

The 17-year-old Madappa expressed disappointment on missing out on an opportunity to play in an Asian Tour event, an incentive for the winner. “I could have done better but the course conditions and the competition was very tough. I am glad that I could make this trip finally. I am going back with an amazing international exposure, and hopefully as an improved golfer.”

“It was amazing just to be in the same room as Sir Nick Faldo. To have an interaction with one of the greatest golfers was just mind-boggling,” added Madappa.
Other Indian participants who put up a spirited show were Patna’s Aman Raj and Delhi’s Shubham Narain. Raj who is no. 3 on IGU’s order of merit, finished 4th with a total score of one-under 215 in U-21 category while IGU’s junior ranked 2nd Narain ended the tourney with 9th position at five-over 221.
Indian eves didn’t impress with their performance at the tournament. Tvesa Malik (U-21), Gurgaon’s Nishtha Madan (U-18) and Gaurika Bishnoi (U-16), ended with 6th, 9th and 8th position respectively.