The Rookie Golfer of the Year award was introduced on the Professional Golfers Association of India (PGAI) Tour during the 1997-98 season, aiming to recognize and encourage young and emerging talent in Indian professional golf.
S. Chikkarangappa stands as the most successful “rookie” on the PGAI Tour to date, with an outstanding performance early in his career. In the 2013 season, Chikkarangappa earned ₹32,65,313 in prize money, which helped him finish second on the Order of Merit. This was a remarkable achievement for the young golfer, as he finished behind Rashid Khan, who won the Order of Merit that year.
While Chikkarangappa finished second, Rashid Khan took the top spot on the Order of Merit, solidifying his position as one of India’s top golfers. However, Chikkarangappa’s strong earnings and performance in 2013 positioned him as a promising star in Indian golf.
Chikkarangappa’s strong performance as a rookie demonstrated his immense talent and potential in Indian golf. It was a clear indication that he was destined for a successful professional career in the sport.
Development of Indian Golf: The introduction of the Rookie Golfer of the Year award and the recognition of players like Chikkarangappa helped raise the level of competition on the domestic tour, motivating young golfers to aim for higher performances and greater achievements. Over the years, S. Chikkarangappa has continued to be one of the most prominent golfers in India, winning multiple tournaments and consistently performing well on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
