Nakajima Seals Indian Open 2024 Title, India's Ahlawat Tied Second

Posted by Admin 31 Mar 2024

Keita Nakajima dominated the $2.25 million Indian Open, clinching victory by a comfortable four-shot margin and setting a new record with a winning total of 17-under. Nakajima's stellar performance saw him maintain a commanding lead throughout the tournament, ultimately securing his maiden DP World Tour title at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

Keita Nakajima of Japan with the Hero Indian Open trophy

Despite some late nerves causing a stutter in the closing stages, Nakajima's solid play kept him ahead of the competition. His lead was once as substantial as nine strokes, although he finished four shots clear of the chasing pack, which included Veer Ahlawat of India, Johannes Veerman of the United States, and Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden.

Nakajima's triumph marked his fifth career title, following his success on the Japanese Tour, where he previously topped the 2023 Order of Merit to earn his DP World Tour card.

Winner of Indian Open 2024 Keita Nakajima with Runner-up Veer Ahlawat

Local fans had reason to celebrate as Veer Ahlawat delivered a thrilling finish, carding a round of 1-under 71, highlighted by an eagle. Ahlawat's performance, which included a mid-round struggle with four bogeys, secured him a tied-second finish, his best result on the DP World Tour to date.

Expressing his delight, Ahlawat stated, "I’m really happy to have played so well in front of my home crowd, my family, and my newly-wedded wife." He acknowledged the pressure of high expectations but credited his strong showing to excellent driving and iron-play.

India's Veer Ahlawat, who finished tied 2nd, during his 4th round at Hero Indian Open

Manu Gandas (71) who played the DP World Tour in 2023, was the next best Indian, just outside the Top-10 in Tied-11th place, which was his best finish on the Tour.

Apart from Ahlawat and Gandas, the other Indians were Karandeep Kochhar (69) in T-13, Shubhankar Sharma (72) in T-31, Aman Raj (78) in T-51, Jairaj Singh Sandhu (71) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (72) in T-58 and Rashid Khan (78) in T-65.

Nakajima, reflecting on his victory, expressed pride in winning the prestigious Indian National Open, describing it as a significant milestone in his professional career. He outlined his ambitions to continue performing well on the DP World Tour, aiming for a top-ten finish before setting his sights on the PGA TOUR in 2025.

Matteo Manassero continued his resurgence with a Top-5 finish, while Jeff Winther of Denmark impressed with a solid performance, finishing in sole ninth place.

Despite some challenges on the course, Nakajima's remarkable play throughout the tournament secured his place in golfing history, reaffirming his status as a rising star on the international stage.