The Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival, held at one of the best Golf courses in Asia, The Karnataka Golf Association, concluded on Sunday after four days of scintillating golfing action. The third edition of the Festival saw enthusiastic participation from over 480 amateur golfers, who battled for a spot in the Indian team to participate at the World Golfers Championship scheduled to be held at Durban from 29th October - 5th November, 2011. Promoted by Government of Karnataka, Tourism Department, the Golf Festival aimed to popularize golf and project Karnataka as a world-class golf destination.

The team to represent India against 48 countries at Durban consists of one of India's best amateur golfers and Nomura Cup Bronze medalist Khalin Joshi in the 0-5 handicap category. Riding on the back of a fine performance that earned him 37 points on the opening day, Krishna Prasad will represent India in the 6-10 handicap category while N Prakash will play in the 11-15 handicap category. Vivek Rao's stellar performance earned him a win in the 16-20 handicap category on Day 1 with a spot in the team and the last slot was lapped up by Sharad Junghare for the 21-24 category. Under the able captaincy of K. Jothiramalingam, the team is looking to perform well at the Championships and improve upon India's fifth place finish in the previous edition at Thailand.

The team comprising of Sagar Muthappa, David D'Souza - winner of the first edition of this golf extravaganza, one of Bangalore's finest lady golfers - Nooraine Fazal and Amit Luthra won the overall team championship with a total score of 137, beating their closest competitors by a margin of 5 points. With this win, they have earned themselves a grand week long trip on the luxurious Golden Chariot courtesy Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation.·

With support from Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. for the 3rd consecutive year, the event is also supported by The Golden Chariot (Grand team prize sponsor), Mantri Developers (Associate Sponsor), Hotel Park Plaza (Hospitality Partner), Ballantine's (Co-sponsor) and TaylorMade Golf (Equipment Partner).·

The Festival had some of Karnataka's best golfers, top ranked lady player Aditi Ashok, India's No 1 ranked lady professional Sharmila Nicollet, National Junior and Men's champion S. Chikkarangappa, star of the recent Asia Pacific bronze medal winning Indian team Khalin Joshi tee off with celebrities Syed Kirmani, Ashwini Nachappa, G. Vishwanath, E. Prasanna, Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi and Sujith Somasunder.·

The Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival concluded with a gala cocktail and dinner awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Bengaluru, on 4th September, 2011 where the winning teams and participants were recognized and rewarded.·

Final Overall results of Toyota Karnataka Golf Festival 2011:·

Overall Winning Individuals in Each Handicap Category: Represent India at the·World Final of World Golfers Championship at Fairmont Zimbali Resort near Durban, October· 29th - November 5th, 2011·
0-5 Handicap Category: Khalin Joshi (38 points)
6-10 Handicap Category: Krishna Prasad (37 points)
11-15 Handicap Category: N. Prakash (38 points)
16-20 Handicap Category: Vivek Rao (42 points)
21-24 Handicap Category: Sharad Jungare (39 points)

Overall Winning Team: 7 Nights Holiday on The Golden Chariot Luxury train courtesy Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation
Sagar Muthappa (32 points)
David D'Souza (34 points)
Nooraine Fazal (34 points)
Amit Luthra (37 points)

Overall Runners-up Team:·
N. Prakash (38 points)
R.P Ramalingam (31 points)
Mohan Raighatta (29 points)
Siddarmaiah (34 points)