Ganapathy leads team to Pro-Am victory

Tour rookie Rahul Ganapathy, playing only his first event as a pro, led his team to a fine victory in the Investsmart India Pro-Am, which concluded the season-opening Hindu Open at the par-72, 6,654-yard, Cosmopolitan Club Golf Course, in Madras, on Sunday.

Mukesh Kumar and his team finished second while Tarun Sardesai's team finished third. The day's best card was brought in by Basad Ali, who posted a fine four-under 68.

The pro-am of the Hindu Open was sponsored by Investsmart India Ltd., a retail initiative of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS). Investsmart India holds claim to be one of the leading full service brokerage houses in the country, with strong expertise in web-based technology as well as strength in physical distribution.

A number of the country's leading professional golfers participated in the event, including Vijay Kumar, the Hindu Open champion on Saturday, last season's 'Player of the Year' Mukesh Kumar; winner of the '98 Indian Open, Feroz Ali: 'Rookie of the Year' for the '99-2000 Wills Sport Golf Tour season, Harmeet Kahlon; twice Indian Open winner Ali Sher; Digvijay Singh, Rohtas Singh and golfers of the caliber of Shiv Prakash, Basad Ali, Indrajit Bhalotia and Amit Dube.

Ganapathy and his team of Pragya Mishra, Chanderswamy and Divya, tallied a total of 115 points to emerge winners. Ganapathy scored 36 points and as the professional in the team, pocketed a sum of Rs 10,000 for his effort.

In second place, with 108 points, were Mukesh Kumar and his team of Prasad Kuneru, Harish Chadha and Deepak Banker. Mukesh posted 38 points and got to take home the runners-up prize money of Rs 7,000. Tarun Sardesai received Rs 3,000 for his part. Basad Ali's four-under effort netted him Rs 5,000. The amateurs in top three teams received glittering trophies.

The prizes were given away by Mr Krishnachander of Investsmart India Ltd. Chennai, at a prize distribution ceremony held at the club premises soon after the event.

"We are extremely happy to be associated with this event. It has always been the endeavour of Investsmart India to be a part of events that are close to the heart of our target customers. The Investsmart Indian Pro-Am Golf Tournament is an ideal meeting point for understanding our target customers better and catering to their requirements," said Mr Krishnachander.

A total of four members constituted each team in the Pro-Am, with the pro score compulsory and the two best out of three nett stableford points comprising the team total.