International Series India: Kartik Singh, 15, becomes youngest Golfer from Subcontinent to make the cut at an Asian Tour event

Gurugram, Feb 1: Indian amateur golfer Kartik Singh etched his name in history as he became the youngest player from the subcontinent to make the cut at an Asian Tour event.

Competing in the International Series India presented by DLF at the prestigious DLF Golf and Country Club, the 15-year-old local lad showcased remarkable composure and skill to advance into the weekend rounds.

Singh delivered a one-under-par 71 in the second round, bringing his total to four-over-par at the halfway mark-comfortably inside the cut line, which fell at eight-over-par. This feat is particularly extraordinary given that it was only his second professional tournament, with his debut coming in an Asian Development Tour event.

A Star in the Making

Singh found himself sharing the field with golfing icons, including two-time Major winner Bryson DeChambeau, homegrown favourite Anirban Lahiri, and LIV Golf League star Joaquin Niemann. Speaking about his surreal experience, Singh said, "It feels unreal playing with Bryson because normally, I watch him on TV, and now I'm competing alongside him. It's a great experience."

"This is my home course, so I had that advantage. If I play my game, I know I can compete with the pros," the ninth-grader from Gurugram, who had six wins in the WAGR-related events in 2024, added further.

Singh had an impressive front nine, sitting at four-under through 11 holes, before eventually signing for a 71. Despite a less favourable opening round, he remained satisfied with his performance and is eager to build on his momentum heading into the weekend.

Before the tournament began, Kartik spoke to MyKhel, describing the DLF Golf & Country Club - where he has been playing since 2017 - as "one of the toughest, not just in Asia but globally."

With its lightning-fast greens, thick roughs, and undulating fairways, the course presents a formidable challenge even for elite professionals. Title favourite Bryson DeChambeau and homegrown star Anirban Lahiri, for instance, found themselves just one under par.

"The key is to find the fairways, hit the greens, and minimise mistakes. On this course, pars are solid scores. It's playing faster and tougher than usual, so patience is crucial," the teenager explained. And so far, he has executed his strategy to perfection.

Weather Disruptions and a Strong Indian Presence

The tournament, held on the challenging Gary Player-designed course in Gurugram, has been impacted by inclement weather, leading to delays in the completion of the second round. With round two wrapping up on Saturday (February 1) afternoon, the third round is set to commence at 3:30 p.m. local time.

A total of ten Indian golfers made the cut, highlighting the strength of the home contingent. Anirban Lahiri leads the charge at one-under-par, while Gaganjeet Bhullar sits at two-over-par, the closest Indian challenger.

Despite spending three weeks practising elsewhere before the tournament, Singh adapted quickly, proving his intimate knowledge of the DLF course and his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

The International Series India presented by DLF is the first of ten events on the 2025 International Series calendar. Following the conclusion of this tournament, the Asian Tour moves to International Series Macau presented by Wynn, where past winners include John Catlin, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.