Joshua Berry clinches Kolkata Challenge with playoff heroics

19-year-old Englishman Joshua Berry secured a career-defining victory at the 2025 Kolkata Challenge, a HotelPlanner Tour and PGTI joint-sanctioned event, held at the historic Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC). Berry, who set the course record with a blistering 10-under 62 in round two, endured a challenging final day but emerged victorious in a dramatic four-man playoff.

Berry’s closing round of one-over 73 brought his tournament total to 11-under 277, tying him with Norway’s Andreas Halvorsen (71), Austria’s Lukas Nemecz (72), and India’s Om Prakash Chouhan (70). The tense playoff saw Berry bury a 19-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole to claim his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title.

Final Round Tension and a Four-Man Playoff

Berry, who entered the final round with a one-shot lead, struggled early, dropping two bogeys on the front nine. However, a clutch tap-in birdie on the 15th kept him in the hunt as the leaderboard remained tight.

Meanwhile, Chouhan, Halvorsen, and Nemecz all had their chances to take control. Chouhan, a former RCGC winner, briefly held the outright lead but saw his chances slip after missing a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th.

With all four contenders finishing at 11-under, they headed to a sudden-death playoff. Chouhan was the first to bow out, missing a three-foot par putt on the opening playoff hole. Berry, Halvorsen, and Nemecz advanced to the second extra hole, where Berry seized the moment, rolling in a stunning 19-foot birdie to clinch the title.

Berry’s Breakthrough Moment

Reflecting on his triumph, Berry admitted the day was anything but smooth.

“I didn’t have my best round today, but I stayed patient and held my nerve when it mattered,” Berry said. “Winning a playoff in this fashion is an unbelievable feeling. It’s a huge confidence boost—I now know I can get it done under pressure.”

Acknowledging the nerves that come with playoff golf, Berry credited his preparation.

“You always try to stay confident, but it’s nerve-racking. In a playoff, you just want to hit one good shot at a time. Luckily, I holed that putt when I needed to.”

Chouhan Falls Short Despite Strong Finish

Om Prakash Chouhan, who climbed 41 places to third in the PGTI Order of Merit, was left ruing his missed opportunities. The 38-year-old carded three birdies on the back nine, but his struggles on the greens proved costly.

“I hit the ball well and had three birdie putts inside five feet,” Chouhan said. “But I just couldn’t find my rhythm with the putter. It’s disappointing to come so close.”

Chawrasia, Dwivedi Make Late Gains

Veteran SSP Chawrasia and rising Indian pro Samarth Dwivedi made impressive moves on the final day. Both players carded five-under 67s, with Chawrasia jumping to sixth place at nine-under 279, while Dwivedi climbed 22 spots to finish tied for seventh at eight-under 280.

As Berry celebrated his breakthrough victory, the Kolkata Challenge provided yet another thrilling finish, proving why Royal Calcutta Golf Club remains one of India’s most storied venues.

Photo – PGTI / Champion Joshua Berry (2nd from left) receives the cheque from (L – R) Mr. Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI, Mr. Gaurav Ghosh, Captain, RCGC and Mr. Jamie Hodges, HotelPlanner Tour Director.