A Legacy on the Greens: The Leela Annual Golf Tournament – 3rd Edition

Bengaluru: Following the resounding success of its first two editions, The Leela Palace Bengaluru hosted the third edition of its prestigious shotgun tournament at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) on March 8. This year, the tournament was held in collaboration with the Junior Golf Development Program (JGDP) and KGA, further strengthening its commitment to fostering young golfing talent in India.

A Platform for Rising Golf Stars

What set this edition apart was its exceptional mix of promising young golfers, aged between 8 and 18, who showcased their skills and determination. The tournament has consistently placed children at its core, aiming to inspire the younger generation and support the development of their careers.

This year, over 40 children participated, with 70% returning from previous editions. They were supported by 80 adult participants, including corporate professionals and key personalities from various industries, all rallying behind the cause of promoting golf among young talents.

The Future of Indian Golf

India’s emerging golf talent is making waves on the global stage, with multiple young players securing top finishes in prestigious tournaments. Several participants of The Leela Annual Golf Tournament have already gained international recognition, with victories and top placements in events such as the U.S. Kids Indian Championship, U.S. Kids World Juniors, and the U.S. Kids Singapore and Malaysian Championships. These young golfers have also demonstrated their prowess at the IGU South Zone tournaments and the Epic WRX All India Tour, further solidifying their potential as future stars of the sport.

A Star-Studded Tee-Off

The tournament was inaugurated by none other than legendary cricketer and avid golfer, Sh. Kapil Dev, President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history, Kapil Dev has actively participated in various golf tournaments. On the occasion, he remarked, “The beauty of our country is that we can give children the space to play and dream. You never know which child will shine and make us proud. I’m glad to see Leela stepping in to promote sports and provide young talent with the platform they deserve. Give them the opportunity, and the rest will come through their talent and hard work.”

The Leela’s Commitment to Golf

Madhav Sehgal, Area Vice President – South India, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, shared his excitement about the event’s growing success: “This year, the tournament reached new heights with young golfers who have earned global recognition. The Leela remains committed to inspiring budding talent, providing a platform where camaraderie and competition blend harmoniously to shape the champions of tomorrow.”

Celebrating Excellence: Winners List

The winners of The Leela Annual Golf Tournament were awarded exclusive stay and dining vouchers across The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts.

Special Awards:

• Longest Drive (Kapil Dev Award) – Rachana Bahadur
• Straightest Drive – Ganesh Basavaraj, Managing Director, Machaan Resorts
• Closest to the Pin (Par 3) – Ajay Kanwal

Handicap Categories:

• Handicap 0-18:
  • Winner: Ajay Vij, Senior Country Managing Director, Accenture
  • Runner-up: John Abraham
• Handicap 19-24:
  • Winner: Rachna Bahadur, SVP, Country Head – India, Synchrony
  • Runner-up: Dr. Sanjay Rao

Junior Golf Winners:

• 14-18 years:
  • Winner: Ayaan Jung
  • Runner-up: Manoj M
• 12-14 years:
  • Winner: Aida Thimmaiah
  • Runner-up: Prem Muniyappa
• 9-11 years:
  • Winner: Suryaansh Reddy
  • Runner-up: Dharma
• 8 and below:
  • Winner: Shashank Sudhakar
  • Runner-up: Pramati Veera

The Next Generation of Champions

The KGA JGDP program has been instrumental in shaping young golfers, with many achieving national and international accolades. Some of their remarkable achievements include:

• Aida Thimmaiah – Winner of the U.S. Kids Indian Championship and multiple IGU South Zone events.
• Vedika Bhansali – Top-5 finisher at the U.S. Kids World Juniors 2023 & 2024 (Pinehurst, USA).
• Ruslaan Alam Khan – Consistently placed in the top three at IGU South Zone events and secured third place in the U.S. Kids Malaysian Championship.
• Prem Muniyappa – Winner of the IGU South Zone event at Mercara Downs 2025.
• Nayonika Kapoor – Winner of the U.S. Kids Local Tour, South India, earning qualification for the U.S. Kids Singapore Championship.
• Isa Elizabeth – Winner of the Epic WRX All India Tour (Mysore).
• Sancia Sendil – Winner of the IGU South Zone tournament at Coorg Golf Links.

These young talents are paving the way for the future of Indian golf, with their relentless passion and drive setting new benchmarks for excellence.

Inside nine acres of lush gardens, The Leela Palace Bengaluru is an epitome of luxury and grandeur. Inspired by the architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore and the Vijayanagar Empire, its majestic copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings exude regal splendor. Conveniently located near business districts and cosmopolitan hubs like Indiranagar and MG Road, The Leela Palace Bengaluru offers an unrivalled blend of opulence and comfort.