Girraj strives for Pro success after scaling through PGTI Q-School

Girraj Singh Khadka is now eyeing the success in professional golfing after qualifying from the PGTI Qualifying school with a ‘B’ card.

He got his ticket after finishing just outside the cut-off mark of 16-over 304 in the Final Qualifying held at the Kensville Golf and Country Club in Ahmedabad earlier in the year when he carded rounds of 77, 75, 79, 75 in the Final Qualifying to end tied 44th in the four-stage Q-school.

What is hindering his progress into a pro is the coronavirus-forced lockdown.

With the ‘B’ card, he is qualified to participate in all PGTI tournaments less than Rs 1 crore in prize money. But he is not eligible to participate in the season-ending Tour Championship and co-sanctioned events with the Asian Tour and European Tour. In the two tournaments, the Order of Merit applies, and a B card carrier is not qualified to feature in it.

Girraj, who is born and bred at the Rambagh Golf Club in the Rajasthan capital, is now qualified to play 80 percent of PGTI events.

Speaking with TOI, Girraj is hoping that the PGTI season will begin with the opening of Rambagh Golf Club for him to start competing as a pro.

The lanky golfer who is aiming to win many events as a professional has his family roots in Nepal’s Pokhra province, and he has been interested in playing golf since he was 12 while watching members going about their chores daily from the workers’ hut near the clubhouse.

Girraj, who revealed that his father has been working at the Rambagh Golf Club before he came into the world, said his family has been staying there since his father began working at the club.

He admitted that watching individuals play golf created his interest in the sport, and he used to follow them for all 18 holes, and many had whispered into his ears to play the game.

Those who encouraged him to play will be happy to see him compete among his contemporaries as a pro when golfing action resumes.

Written by: Oladipupo Mojeed