The top amateur award was taken by Gagan Verma, but the veteran was surrounded by names like Rashid Khan and Gauri Monga, all still only old enough to be carrying school bags, but carrying themselves on the top level of the country’s amateur golf deftly.

City joy
DGC boy Rashid, who has won three back-to-back titles this season, as well as the Faldo Series Asia title in December 2007, was awarded as the most outstanding junior golfer in the country. Bangalore’s Chikkaranagappa, was named the top junior.

The women’s awards were both taken by local girls. City juniors Gauri Monga and Gurbani Singh, who is fresh off her victory at the All India Ladies Amateur championship, were the two awardees.

“I am sure these awards will go a long way in motivating and creating a zeal amongst the youngsters to give their best and in return we would be boasting of some of the best golfing talent in the world soon,” Jeev said.

The IGU, meanwhile, was celebrating the new partnership that came despite the economic slowdown.