16 or 61, it’s still a rivalry for Kartik and Mukesh on 72 The League

The feisty Mukesh Kumar may be 61, but his age has not diminished his competitive fire at all, as he has shown during the ongoing 72 The League.

By a correspondent

At the age of 16, the talented Kartik Singh has provided enough evidence to justify the title of ‘future superstar of Indian golf’.

At 61, Mukesh Kumar is aware that his glory days are behind him, but nothing gives him more pleasure than beating youngsters half his age on the golf course.

Kartik is the youngest player in DP World PGTI’s 72 The League powered by IndusInd Bank, the groundbreaking new team and league tournament that kicked off on Tuesday.

Mukesh is the eldest, almost four times Kartik’s age.

Despite this huge difference, their excitement about the new format is palpable as they represent different teams – Kartik is part of Mumbai Aces, while Mukesh wears the Kolkata Classics colours.

They would love to beat each other if their paths cross, but because play recognizes play, the two have great respect for each other.

“The way this kid plays, he’ll make a lot of noise quickly. (The way this boy is playing will soon create a lot of chaos),” says Mukesh.

High praise

“He doesn’t let anyone win on the PGTI Tour. Even at this age, he seems so mature and has a lot of experience.”

“To me he doesn’t look like a rookie. He looks like someone who plays in the winning category.”

Kartik replies, “I hope I can play golf like him at 61. The fact that he can still make the cut in most tournaments shows that he is still very competitive.

“He is mentally strong and still has a lot of belief in himself. And of course he has a lot of experience.”

Kartik has already shown his mettle in the tournament when he took on veteran American golfer Jhared Hack, showing remarkable grit in halving the match.

Hack, 36, is the in-form player on Tour, having secured his card by finishing second in the Q-School and later winning the season-opening SECL Chhattisgarh Open with a final round 59.

Mukesh lost his singles match in the opening round, but that doesn’t affect his belief in the slightest.

Teen wonder Kartik Singh has already underlined his class at the DP World PGTI’s 72 The League and says he likes the team format.

Sophisticated approach

“I’m now a good 20 to 30 yards behind these new players. But does that mean I’m going to give up golf?” he asks.

“I may not be able to beat others, but I can still work harder on my short game than others.

“I truly believe I can make par on any hole, no matter how long it is. That’s an advantage in team golf. My partner can rely on me.”

“I am very excited about this new tournament. It just shows the progress the DP World PGTI Tour has made over the years.

“I still remember playing for purses as low as Rs 20,000 ($220) in the 1980s. Now domestically we play for purses like Rs 2 crore (almost $220,000).

“The addition of this new league format is very good for the players, and I only hope it is just as good for the team owners.”

It is Kartik’s first full season on Tour and he is excited to get an opportunity like 72 The League.

Happy environment

“I have been part of many teams over the years, including the Bonallack Trophy in the UAE last year. I absolutely love being in a team environment.

“Firstly, you learn so much from the other team members, and secondly, you make friends for life when you have to spend so much time together in each other’s company,” said Kartik.

When asked how he would approach the match if drawn against Mukesh, Kartik added: “That would be a lot of fun.

“Honestly, I’ll just focus on my game and do my best because I know I can’t take someone like him lightly.”

The Classic Golf & Country Club will host the two remaining rounds on March 2 and 3, with the final at the Qutab Golf Course on Friday, March 6.

Also read: Prometheans and Regals set a high pace in 72 The League

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