Mukesh crosses Rs 1.5m earning mark

Mukesh Kumar reaped rich reward for his amazing consistency and became the first golfer in the history of the Hero Honda Golf Tour to cross the magical mark of Rs 1.5 million earnings in a single season.

The 33-year-old Mhow-based Mukesh won the Sir Padampat Singhania Open last week at the Noida Golf Club and currently tallies Rs 15,90,025 in 20 events on the Tour. This betters the record set by Vijay Kumar in 1998-99 by miles.

Vijay pocketed Rs 13,41,564 in 23 starts that season, including six victories.

With at least four more events to be played this season, Mukesh is almost certain to set a new benchmark of excellence. He has already won five titles - TNGF Open, Chennai; Sher-e-Kashmir Open, Srinagar; Servo Masters, Digboi; Royal Challenge Grand Prix, Mumbai and the Sir Padampat Singhania Open - and has had 18 top-10 finish. Apart from the victories, Mukesh finished runner-up in four events and third in three.

"It feels great to achieve the landmark, but there are still a few tournaments left this season. I would like to extend that record and probably try and touch the two-million mark," said Mukesh, who recently signed an equipment sponsorship deal with Callaway.

Mukesh is also in line to bag his third successive Mahindra Champion Player of the Year award, which will be accompanied with a cheque of Rs One million.

"That is my target for this season. to win the Mahindra award again," added Mukesh.