Mysuru golfer Pranavi Urs created history on Saturday (October 3) by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in the Asian Games, holding on to a slender one stroke lead in the final round to achieve the historic feat that also helped the country claim the team silver.

The 23-year-old sent in three birdies to recover from a horrendous triple bogey on the third hole, which had wiped away her three-stroke overnight lead.

With a final round score of even-par 70, she ended with a total of 15-under 265 for four days, a stroke ahead of the pack.

Her performance also became a crucial factor in giving India the team silver alongside Aditi Ashok (67 in final round) and Diksha Dagar (77 in final round). The two best scores are taken into account for deciding the team medals and India ended 14-under 546, well behind gold-winners China (22-under 538).

Pranavi’s medal was India’s first gold since the 2002 men’s individual top honours bagged by Shiv Kapur.

Pranavi was doused in water in celebration by her fellow Indian golfers Aditi and Diksha after completing her final round.

Yin, Ruoning — the former world No.1 from China, claimed the silver medal and Singapore’s Shannon Tan who carded a 68 and had a bogey five at the first play-off hole and had to settle for bronze.

Yin, did win a gold in the team event with her China team-mates Liu Yan and Zhang Weiwei after they finished top of the leaderboard with an aggregate of 20-under par.

‘Remarkable performance’

Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl lauded Pranavi’s historic gold-winning show at the Nagoya Games, saying her triumph is a testament to the depth in the women’s game in the country.

“Pranavi Urs has delivered a remarkable performance at the Asian Games, and her historic gold medal is a proud moment for Indian golf. Her composure, consistency and belief throughout the competition have been truly impressive,” Johl, a former golfer himself, said in a statement.