Youth and Experience Collide in PGTI's 72 The League

In the inaugural 72 The League, young golfer Kartik Singh and veteran Mukesh Kumar showcase their skills and mutual respect on the course. At just 16, Kartik is already a rising star, while 61-year-old Mukesh continues to compete fiercely against younger players. This new league format highlights the evolution of the PGTI Tour, offering exciting opportunities for both seasoned players and newcomers. As they navigate this innovative tournament, their shared passion for the game shines through, promising thrilling matches ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 28, 2026, 01:06 IST

A New Era in Indian Golf

At just 16 years old, Kartik Singh is already being hailed as a promising talent in Indian golf. In contrast, Mukesh Kumar, at 61, acknowledges that his prime years are behind him, yet he finds immense joy in competing against much younger players on the golf course.

Generational Clash in the New League

Kartik stands out as the youngest participant in the DP World PGTI's 72 The League, a pioneering team tournament that commenced at Classic Golf & Country Resort. Mukesh, nearly four times Kartik's age, represents the older generation.

Mutual Respect Amidst Competition

Despite their significant age gap, both players share a palpable enthusiasm for this innovative format in the PGTI calendar. Kartik plays for the Mumbai Aces, while Mukesh dons the colors of the Kolkata Classics. They are eager to outperform each other, yet they hold a deep respect for one another's skills.

Veteran's Words of Encouragement

"The way this boy plays, he will soon create quite a stir," Mukesh remarked about Kartik. "He won’t let anyone win on the PGTI Tour. Even at his young age, he displays remarkable maturity and experience, making him appear more like a seasoned player than a rookie."

Young Talent's Admiration for Experience

Kartik expressed his admiration, stating, "I aspire to play golf like him when I reach 61. His ability to consistently make the cut in tournaments reflects his competitiveness, mental strength, and self-belief, along with his vast experience."

On-Course Performance and Attitude

Kartik has already demonstrated his skills in this new tournament format, showcasing resilience against American player Jhared Hack, who is currently in top form. Although Mukesh lost his opening singles match, he remains undeterred, stating, "I may not hit as far as the younger players, but I can still excel in my short game. I believe I can make par on any hole, which is a valuable asset in team golf."

The Growth of the PGTI Tour

"I am thrilled about this new tournament, which highlights the progress of the PGTI Tour over the years. I recall competing for purses as low as Rs 20,000 in the 1980s, and now we play for amounts like Rs 2 crores. This new league format is beneficial for players and I hope it proves advantageous for team owners as well," Mukesh added.

The Excitement of Team Golf

For Kartik, this season marks his first full participation in the Tour, and he is excited about the opportunity presented by 72 The League. "Being part of a team allows for immense learning and the chance to forge lifelong friendships," he noted. When asked about facing Mukesh, he said, "It would be a fun challenge. I will focus on my game and give it my all, knowing I can't underestimate him."

Upcoming Tournament Details

The tournament will continue at Classic Golf & Country Club for the next two rounds on March 2 and 3, with the finals scheduled at Qutab Golf Club on March 6. The 72 The League is a collaborative effort between PGTI and Game of Life Sports.