26 July 2019: The Asia Pacific Golf Confederation is being represented at the European Golf Association’s European Young Masters event for the first time this year. India’s Arjun Bhati and Pranavi Urs are in the four member team. The duo got off to a steady start in their respective events. Arjun was lying T20 after posting a one-under 71. Pranavi shot 72 and is in T19 at the end of the first round.
The EYM is an event for some of the best talent in Europe, U-16 among boys and girls. The APGC team is only contesting the individual events, while members of the EGA will also contend for team honours.
Malaysia’s Mirabel Ting, part of the APGC team, upended her European rivals for a share of the first round lead among the girls. Francesca Fiorellini of Italy also made a 67.
Germany’s Yannick Malik and Norway’s Michael Alexander Mjaaseth are in the lead among the boys, posting an impressive 8-under 64 on the opening day. Thai prospect, Pongsapak Laopakdee, a member of the APGC team, shot a brilliant 66 to sit in fourth place.
Pranavi made a birdie on the par-3 fourth hole, but fumbled on the eighth hole, another par-3 to make the turn in an even 36 strokes.
The back nine was far more eventful, starting with a bogey on the twelfth. Back to back birdies at the 14th and 15th returned her below par, but she conceded ground at the 16th and 17th to finish the day at one-over 73.
Arjun was also one-over through his front nine, bogeys at 3 & 8 negating a good birdie at the par-5 seventh hole. But he finished with a nice flourish, making birdies at 14 & 18 to secure an under-par card of 71.
In the team event, Germany has a three-stroke advantage over France at 15-under 201. Italy is third at 11-under with Portugal a further two-strokes back at 9-under. Spain, Norway, Scotland, Netherlands, Sweden and England complete the top ten at the end of the first day.
The 2019 European Young Masters is contested over three days of stroke play at Golf & Spa Kun?tická Hora in the Czech Republic. There are 114 players from 34 countries taking the field in this 24th edition of the event, first held in 1995. The tournament also enjoys World Amateur Golf Ranking points for the first time in its history this year.
The tournament has a rich history of presaging future champions – Sergio Garcia, Rafael Cabrera-bello, and Matteo Manassero have all earned medals at the event, while stars such as Suzann Pettersen and Carlota Ciganda returned successful from among the girls.
The APGC represented by four players will contest the individual events. In returning the favour, two of the best teams from Europe drawn from this competition will be seen in Hong Kong next month in the APGC Junior Championship.
The top three boys and girls will be awarded medals at the end of three rounds on Saturday.