New Delhi [India], January 09: A chilly, misty morning at Panchkula Golf Club set the stage for a groundbreaking moment in Indian golf—the debut of the Pitch and Putt format. With a mission to make golf more accessible and exciting for people across the country, this new format also positions India as a rising star on the global golfing map.
The inaugural Par3 Masters tournament kicked off with an impressive turnout of 178 golfers, including club members and special invitees. Despite the 8-degree chill and the fog lingering over the course, the participants were eager and enthusiastic. The first group of 84 players embraced the challenge of the new format, where each hole was set to Par 3, and players were limited to just three clubs—including a putter.
As the morning progressed, the fog began to lift, and the sun finally broke through, bringing warmth and energy to the course. The entire 18-hole layout had been reimagined to accommodate the Pitch and Putt format, and the response from the golfers was overwhelmingly positive.
Col. Dhillon, the General Manager of Panchkula Golf Club, shared his excitement about the event: “As both a golfer and an administrator, this was a fantastic opportunity. I knew our members would love this new format, and seeing all the spots fill up in under four hours was proof of its appeal. We’re proud to be the first club to bring Pitch and Putt to such a large scale, and it’s thrilling to see it take off so successfully.”
Munish Arora, Founder of Can and Able Entertainment, was also excited about the launch of this fresh approach to the game: “As a golfer for nearly two decades, we’ve organized over 50 golfing events, but we’ve always wanted to push the boundaries. The creation of Par3 – Pitch and Putt is the realization of that vision. We’re eager to take this format to more cities across India in the near future,” he said.
Dilip Jayaram (DJ) and Mahesh Ranka, representing GameChangerZ, emphasized the broader potential of the new format. “Pitch and Putt has a great future in making golf more popular and accessible to a wider audience. It’s a format that can truly grow into a sustainable and beloved sports property,” they noted.
Adding a touch of professionalism to the event, former pro golfer turned trainer, Tavleen Batra, served as the tournament referee, ensuring fair play and a smooth experience for all participants.
The players faced a unique challenge on a course where holes ranged from 55 to 105 yards. With the restriction of only three clubs, including a putter, the Pitch and Putt format tested the golfers’ precision, strategy, and skills to the maximum.
As the day came to a close, a lively prize-giving ceremony celebrated the winners and runners-up in both the Men’s and Women’s categories. Rajat Seth took home the Men’s trophy, with GC Sharma securing the runner-up spot. In the Women’s category, Kamlesh Khanna claimed victory, while Shalini Sheron finished as the runner-up. T.P. Singh was also recognized for winning the Closest to the Pin contest. The evening wrapped up with great entertainment, making it a memorable occasion for all.
The Panchkula Golf Club Par3 Masters is just the beginning of a new chapter in Indian golf. With more tournaments planned across the country, the Pitch and Putt format promises to make golf more exciting, accessible, and popular than ever before.
For more information, please visit: instagram.com/par3_masters
