By Rahul Banerji
Shaurya Binu clinched his maiden professional title on Saturday after dominating the Rs 1 crore Vooty Masters from start to finish at the Vooty Golf County in Vikarabad.
The Bangalore teenager’s final round of 8 under par 64 saw him finish a massive eight shots ahead of runner-up Karan Pratap Singh, the PGTI said
Binu (66-66-70-64) totaled 22-under 266 for the week to pick up the winner’s cheque worth Rs. 15 lakh that moved him from tenth to first in the Tata Steel PGTI Ranking.
Playing only his second season as a professional, Binu led the field in all four rounds and his closing 64 was the day’s best score.
Karan Pratap (73-66-68-67) climbed three places on Saturday to finish on 14-under 274.
Leading by three strokes overnight, Binu was at ease from the outset in round four despite the pressures of staring at a maiden title.
Flying start
He quickly powered ahead with four birdies in the first seven holes to open up a six-shot cushion that was never needed through the day.
Playing at Vooty Golf County for the first time, Binu made the front nine count as he landed his shots within six feet of the pin on three of his first four birdies.
Unfazed by a bogey on the ninth the 19-year-old came back with birdie on hole 13 and an eagle-two on the par-4 15th thanks to two outstanding drives and a long conversion to once again stamp his authority.
The Army officer’s son closed out in style with two extraordinary approach shots that led to tap-in birdies on the 17 and 18.
At various points through the day, challenges came up and evaporated as playing partners Rahil Gangjee and Q School topper Matias Dominguez amongst others were unable to match the teenager’s pace.
“A three-shot lead, knowing that I was in good form and having my plans in place, I was quite comfortable from the start of the day,” Binu said later.
Staying calm
“I knew the course well so it was all about controlling my emotions. Just had to play the shots I knew I could. The birdie on the first just set the ball rolling for me. I’m quite proud of this effort.
“In my rookie season last year, I gained valuable experience on how professionals go about their job. I got to meet and play alongside all the pros and the top golfing talent of India.
“The good start at my debut event in Ahmedabad in 2023 also helped my confidence a lot,” added Binu, who displayed great composure and maturity beyond his years on Saturday.
Gangjee (70) was third on 13-under 275 for his third top-three finish in a row starting with December’s season-ending Tour Championship in Jamshedpur.
Arjun Prasad fired a hole-in-one on hole 8 during his round of 67 and finished seventh on 10-under 278.
Vikarabad-based Mohd Azhar (71) finished tied 18th at four-under 284.
Final top five
266: Shaurya Binu (66-66-70-64)
274: Karan Pratap Singh (73-66-68-67)
275: Rahil Gangjee (68-67-70-70)
276: Saptak Talwar (69-68-71-68); Matias Dominguez (67-69-69-71)
Also read: Shaurya Binu extends lead to three shots at Vooty Masters
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