Kaya tops India’s junior golf field with a fine display

Kaya Daluwatte, Sri Lanka’s rising star and the nation’s top-ranked female golfer, has added yet another prestigious title to her young career. Just a week after dominating the PRIMA Sunrise Bread Hambantota Regional Junior Open Golf Championship by an astonishing 70 strokes, the 16-year-old secured victory at the IGU Rotary Southern India Ladies’ and Junior Girls Golf Championship, held at the Karnataka Golf Association in India. Kaya’s performance was remarkable as she took on India’s top 20 female golfers and emerged as the ‘A’ Girl Champion, showing poise and precision far beyond her years.

The three-round tournament saw Kaya finish with a total gross score of 213, maintaining a consistent one-over-par 71 in each round. This unwavering consistency set her apart from the competition, giving her a slim but significant one-stroke lead over her closest rivals. By edging out India’s most talented junior golfers, she highlighted her potential to not only compete but also to excel on international grounds.

Kaya’s journey to victory was built on her ability to deliver steady rounds, a quality that is rare among players of her age. Throughout the tournament, she displayed precision in her shots and a calm approach to handling pressure. Her scores of 71 in all three rounds spoke to her discipline, focus, and mastery over her game. This performance made it clear that Kaya has the mental strength to navigate challenging courses and manage the ups and downs of competitive play.

In an intensely competitive field, her main challengers were Delhi’s Keya Badagu and Karnataka’s Saanvi Somu, who both posted scores of 214, just one stroke behind Kaya. Keya’s rounds of 76, 68, and 70, along with Saanvi’s scores of 73, 68, and 73, showed they were formidable opponents. However, Kaya’s ability to hold her ground without any major swings in performance ultimately gave her the advantage. This victory marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka’s junior golf scene. Kaya’s success in India, following her outstanding performance at the Hambantota Regional Junior Open, displayed the potential Sri Lankan golfers have to make an impact beyond local tournaments.

In a field where India’s junior golfers traditionally dominate, Kaya’s win is a proof to her hard work, dedication, and the support system around her. It sends a strong message that Sri Lanka is producing talent capable of challenging regional golf giants.

Source: Daily News