Chandigarh, April 9 — Nine-year-old Gairat Kaur Kahlon has become the first Indian to qualify for the prestigious Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at the Augusta National Golf Club in the United States, marking a historic moment for Indian golf.
Competing in the 7–9 age category, Gairat outplayed thousands of junior golfers who participated in 348 Local Qualifiers held across all 50 U.S. states. She emerged victorious in her category and advanced through the Sub-Regional rounds to become one of only 10 finalists in her age group.
Her journey to Augusta included stellar performances at the Stonebridge Golf Club in North Carolina and the Grandover Golf Club in Tennessee, where she clinched her spot in the finals.
“She still has a long way to go, but this is a proud moment. At Augusta, she was even greeted by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice,” said her father, Captain Guramardeep Singh.
Gairat is also only the second Indian woman to play at Augusta National, following Avani Prashant. She has previously impressed on both national and international golfing platforms, and her latest feat places her among the brightest young talents in the sport.
