Key Highlights
Indian teen golf sensation Mahreen Bhatia secured an impressive second place in the Girls 14 category at the prestigious US Kids World Teen Championship held at the Pinehurst golf complex in North Carolina
Over three rounds, Mahreen carded scores of 69, 69, and 72, finishing with a total of 6-under-par 210, narrowly missing out on the title to American Maria Isabella Errichetto
Mahreen’s strong finish featured three birdies in the last four holes, including two on the final two holes, showcasing her composure and skill under pressure
Her runner-up position follows another second-place finish earlier in the year at the European US Kids Golf Championships, marking her as one of the most consistent performers on the international junior golf stage
Other Indian golfers also performed admirably, with Kartik Singh finishing third in Boys 13 category and Lavanya Gupta securing a strong fifth place in Girls 15-18
Tournament Overview: Rising Indian Talent at Pinehurst
The US Kids World Teen Championship attracts the best young golf talent globally, and this year’s event at the world-renowned Pinehurst 5 and 6 courses tested players with challenging layouts and competitive fields. Mahreen, aged 14, impressed spectators and experts alike with her calm stroke play and strategic course management.
In a tournament marked by fluctuating fortunes, Mahreen battled through tough moments, including costly bogeys on holes 10, 12, and 16, but her resilience shone through during the closing stretch. Her birdies on holes 15 and 17 kept her in strong contention until the finish, eventually finishing just behind the winner by a narrow margin.
Performance Highlights and Noteworthy Rounds
First two rounds: Mahreen’s consistent rounds of 69 and 69 set a solid foundation, putting her within striking distance of the leader and maintaining pressure on the field
Final round: Though she carded a 72, her late surge with critical birdies demonstrated her competitive spirit and ability to perform under intense conditions
Key rivals: American Maria Isabella Errichetto managed to hold on with a final round 71 to claim the title, while other notable competitors also pushed the field’s standards high
Indian Contingent’s Overall Success
Beyond Mahreen’s sterling performance, the Indian team showed depth and promise across various divisions:
Kartik Singh concluded third in Boys 13 with a total of 7-under-par 209, displaying consistent scoring across all rounds and earning a podium finish
Lavanya Gupta, competing in the Girls 15-18 category, posted an excellent final round 68, including five front-nine birdies, to finish fifth overall, just one shot shy of a podium spot
Other Indian golfers such as Vihaan Jain, Arshvant Srivastava, Ranveer Mitroo, and Udai Aditya Middha also improved their standings throughout the event, reflecting growing competitiveness at the junior level
Significance and Future Prospects
Mahreen Bhatia’s performance at the US Kids World Teen Championship reinforces her status as one of India’s most promising junior golfers. Her consistent top finishes on international platforms demonstrate the strength of emerging golf talent in India and highlight the progress made in nurturing youth sports.
Her ability to handle pressure situations and maintain composure during crucial moments suggests a bright future ahead, with potential for higher accolades in global amateur and professional arenas. This tournament experience adds valuable exposure and builds confidence for future competitions.
The supportive results from other Indian youngsters also signify the broad base of skill development happening in the country’s golf ecosystem, promising a strong pipeline of talent to watch in coming years.
In Summary
Mahreen Bhatia’s runner-up finish in the Girls 14 division at the 2025 US Kids World Teen Championship represents a milestone in Indian junior golf. Powered by determined play and clutch putting, she showcased the qualities of a future champion. Alongside a strong Indian contingent, her performance underscores India’s rising presence on the world junior golf stage and encourages further investment in young sports talent.
Sources: GolfPlus Monthly, YesPunjab.com
