Pune: Team IK turned on the style at the Poona Club Golf Course on Sunday, combining power, precision and teamwork to clinch the inaugural Caddy Welfare Pro-Am 2026 with a remarkable 17-under-par gross performance. Led by Olympian Udayan Mane and featuring Ikram Khan, Jia Kardbhajne and Vidish Kardbhajne, the team returned a winning score of 52.5 after an impressive round that included 13 birdies and two gross eagles on the 7th and 12th holes.
The quartet was in control for much of the round, with Mane’s professional experience complementing the consistent shot-making of his amateur teammates. Their aggressive approach and ability to repeatedly find the best ball helped them build a substantial advantage over the chasing teams.
The Pankaj Mandia, Mohnish Advani, Neeraj Gulati and Ved Kakatkar team finished runners-up with 55.7, while Mahesh Dalvi, Saurabh Roy, Ritesh Jain and Pulkeshin Sharma secured third place with 57.3.
The first Caddy Welfare Pro-Am, sponsored by ATRI, attracted around 180 golfers and was played in the Texas Scramble format, with each team comprising one professional and three amateurs. The tournament combined competitive golf with a wider cause — supporting the welfare of caddies and recognising their contribution to the game.
The event also drew participation from several prominent personalities, including Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, V Adm Anil Jaggi, NDA Commandant and IAS officer Om Prakash Bakoria, along with the Poona Club president. Poona Club CEO Rajiv Datar was present during the championship.
The Texas Scramble format added to the camaraderie, with teams required to work collectively after every shot and select the best position from which to continue. The format allowed amateur golfers to compete alongside professionals while creating an atmosphere of fellowship and healthy competition.
For the golfing fraternity, the championship was as much about giving back as it was about chasing a winning score. The strong participation reflected the community’s support for caddies, whose course knowledge, assistance and behind-the-scenes contribution remain central to the sport.
Team IK’s emphatic victory, powered by 13 birdies, two eagles and a 17-under gross round, provided a fitting highlight to a memorable opening edition of the Caddy Welfare Pro-Am.
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