The Myrtle Seaside World Novice this 12 months attracted a area of practically 3,000.
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As one other 12 months in golf attracts to a detailed, let’s evaluation the high-water marks.
Scottie Scheffler gained seven tournaments and Participant of the Yr honors, Xander Schauffele claimed two main titles, and Nelly Korda reclaimed the number-one rating within the ladies’s sport. However none of these stars matched the feat pulled off by Upendra Modak, a double-digit handicap from Charlotte, N.C., who took first place is the most important golf occasion of 2024.
By “greatest,” we imply the occasion with the most important area: 2,971. That’s what number of rivals Modak outlasted in August to seize the crown within the forty first annual World Novice Handicap Championship, in Myrtle Seaside.
“My predominant aim was to not blow away the spherical,” Modak stated after a capturing a internet 68 (gross 81) within the closing spherical of the multi-day occasion. “That has been one thing that has been occurring for all these years.”
Sounds relatable, and that’s the purpose.
Since its delivery in 1983, the World Novice has earned a rightful status because the Folks’s Open for on a regular basis golfers. Elite ability just isn’t required. Solely a registered handicap is, the utmost allowed being 36.4 for males and 40.4 for girls. This 12 months’s participation was emblematic of the inclusivity: It drew gamers from greater than 25 international locations and all 50 of the USA.
The competitors performed out, as ever, throughout greater than 50 programs on the Grand Strand, together with such headline layouts as Caledonia, Tidewater and the Love, Norman and Fazio programs at Barefoot Resort. In a format designed to supply a degree taking part in area, the World Novice flights golfers by gender, age and handicap. Given the dimensions of the sphere, that’s a variety of flights: 70 altogether, with handicap ranges as tight as half a stroke, additional guaranteeing a good competitors.
After 72 holes of internet stroke play, the highest finishers from every flight transfer on to a championship spherical at Grand Dunes Resort Membership (there’s additionally a gross division, whose winner will get an invitation into the championship spherical as properly). This 12 months, Modak grabbed the trophy by leaning, he stated, on “quick sport, quick sport, quick sport,” which was ok to edge Ryan Ferreira of Portugal by a stroke. However he was not the one winner. On the World Novice, prizes are paid to the highest 5 finishers in every flight. There are additionally each day contest prizes, totaling greater than $30,000 in worth, handed out by random drawing. And all contributors obtain a present bag with a price nearing $300 in worth, together with nightly entry—plus a visitor — to what’s billed because the world’s largest nineteenth gap, with complimentary meals, and open bar and dwell music.
It’s arduous to stroll away empty-handed.
Modak is aware of. This was his ninth look within the World Novice, and he stated he’ll be again to defend his crown subsequent 12 months. Registration is already open for 2025.
