At just 19, Joshua Berry has announced himself on the global golfing stage in emphatic fashion. The young Englishman from Doncaster has been on a dream run through the Indian swing of the HotelPlanner Tour, leaving a trail of impressive performances across three gruelling weeks.
From a dramatic maiden win at the Kolkata Challenge to a runner-up finish in Delhi and a top-ten showing at the Hero Indian Open, Berry’s talent and temperament have drawn comparisons with none other than Rory McIlroy.
The Yorkshire-born golfer teed off his Indian adventure with a stunning victory at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, where he drained a 20-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole of a tense playoff.
Breaking the course record en route to his first professional title, Berry showed a fearless approach that quickly caught the attention of golf enthusiasts worldwide. Just a week later, he narrowly missed out on back-to-back triumphs, finishing solo second in Delhi after yet another playoff thriller.
It’s been really fun down the road for three weeks. The courses have been great, and the results have been good too. So, can’t really complain.
By the time he arrived at the resplendent DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram for the prestigious Hero Indian Open, Berry was brimming with confidence. His pragmatic approach to the tournament underscored his growing maturity.
I just approached it like any other event. Coming off two good weeks and a win on the HotelPlanner Tour, it was nice to have that confidence going in. It was a great test, so I’m really happy with how things turned out.
The Hero Indian Open proved to be a stern challenge for many, with the demanding course pushing players to their limits. Berry likened it to competing in a major championship.
It was brutal out there. I haven’t played a major before, but it certainly felt like one. Just making pars was crucial, keeping expectations in check, and avoiding costly doubles.
His performance at the Indian Open, where he finished tied sixth, marked his best-ever result on the DP World Tour. Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Berry acknowledged how pivotal his breakthrough win in Kolkata was.
I’m absolutely buzzing, it was a huge win for my confidence. I know I can do it now, which is key.
Berry’s rapid ascent is all the more remarkable considering he was still an amateur in 2023 when he stunned the golfing world by earning a DP World Tour card through Q-School at just 18 — becoming the second-youngest player to achieve the feat.
Now, with a HotelPlanner Tour victory and a top-10 DP World Tour finish under his belt, the rising star is eager to build on his success.
His next challenge awaits in China, and Berry is optimistic about continuing his fine form.
Yeah, it’s nice to get a top-10 this week ahead of China — it’s a bonus. Looking forward to going there and hopefully playing well..
With composure beyond his years and a fearless game to match, Joshua Berry’s exploits in India have cemented his status as one of golf’s most exciting young prospects. If his performances over the past few weeks are any indication, the road ahead promises plenty more fireworks from this rising star.
