Rigel Fernandes -Young Mangalorean Golfer Making News on US Shores


Rigel Fernandes -Young Mangalorean Golfer Making News on US Shores

USA, Dec 8 (Media Release) : Rigel Fernandes of Mangalore, India wins 4 out of 6 tournaments in the US Junior Tour this academic year, runner-up in other two, HJGT Tour Champion of the year in the 13 – 15 year category.

Rigel Fernandes, a 13 year young golf prodigy from Mangalore is making news in the US Junior Golf League this academic year.  In the six tournaments that he has played since September 2009, he has won  four and was second in the other two tournaments, an exceptional performance considering that he is one of the youngest players in the 13 -15 year category. 



On December 5-6, the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT) hosted its season-ending, Golfweek / Titleist ranked Tour Championship at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Florida.  With over 100 players from 16 countries and 11 states, this was the largest field in the HJGT’s two-year history.  Heavy, saturating rains and high winds threatened the tournament, but the players were able to complete the entire 36-holes thanks to the hard work of the course staff.  Saddlebrook Resort, which is already a difficult course with many hazards, was made even more difficult with the weather.  The juniors endured the conditions and the best players came out on top. In the 13 – 15 year category, Rigel overcame the leaders of the first day with his consistent run of play to beat Chris Sells of Savannah, Georgia by one stroke.  At the end of day 1, Rigel was third behind Chris Sells and Bernardo Curbelo of Weston, Florida.  However, on the second day, Rigel raised his game on a challenging course with 2 birdies and 12 pars to score 72 and an overall score of 147 for his third victory in the HJGT Series this season. He also won the HJGT IMG Leadbetter Pre-Season Junior Open in September and the Tiger Junior Classic in November.

Rigel also plays in the FCWT league where he won the only tournament that he played this season in Naples Beach, Florida on Nov 14-15, 2009.

Rigel who grew up and picked his sport in Dubai at a young age of six, studies in grade 9 and trains at the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton, Florida - one of the world’s leading sports academies in the world.  Last year, he was voted the ‘Most Improved Player of the Year’ by his academy.  He attributes his progress mainly to his coach – Jay Denton who sees tremendous potential in this young kid and encourages him to perform day in and day out. 








In the US Kids Teen World Championship held in July 2009 in Pinehurst, Rigel came third in his age category and then qualified for the International Teen Team to play against the US Teen Team where his group won for the World International team.   He has already qualified for the next world cup in July 2010 by coming joint 2nd in his qualifier held in St. Port Lucie in October.

Rigel’s tournament results are available online at the respective official web-sites.

For Hurricane Junior Tour -

http://hjgt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/hjgt9/event/hjgt935/contest/51/profile/rfernandez11/tresults.htm


For Future Collegiate World Tour -

http://fcwt.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/fcwt9/event/fcwt913/contest/13/profile/rfernandes1/tresults.htm


For US Kids Golf Foundation -

http://www.uskidsgolf.com/eng/regional/redirect.cfm?sectionID=b2c/tournaments/tournamentResults.cfm&age_group_id=19&type=RC&location_id=3263&tournament_id=293

While on holiday in Dubai, he plays in the local open tournaments.  He played in the Dubai Summer Series this year with some exceptional results and qualified for the finals. However, he could not play the finals as he had to return back to his Academy.

Rigel is the younger son of Ivan and Renny Fernandes, of Ashoknagar Parish in Mangalore but resident in Dubai for the last 13 years.  With Golf now voted an official Olympic sport from 2016, it is a huge opportunity for young Golfers like Rigel to play and bring rich laurels to their country.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • gretta gerald menezes, shirva

    Sun, Jun 06 2010

    Hearty congratulations dear Rigyl, Well done.We r proud of u. Keep it up. God bless u.
    Grany,Uncle Gerry, Aunt Gretta, Grizel n Garron.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Freddy Mendonca, Mudarangadi

    Thu, Jan 28 2010

    Great achievement of Rigel is the younger son of Ivan and Renny Fernandes. Dimensions team is very proud of and we are blessed of the contact of Ivan who himself is a Visionary and Achiever. Mangalore, salutes you.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Thomas Manil Rego, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 17 2009

    Dear Rigel, Great Going brother. You make us proud. Keep it going. The Regos Bangalore

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Rammohan, Puttur

    Tue, Dec 15 2009

    Congratulations to you. Keep it up and reach further heights in the Golf world.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Vally & Bertha Fernandes, Kulshekar/Bangalore

    Sun, Dec 13 2009

    Congratulations Rigel. We pray that you reach the greatest height as a golfer.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • James & Shobha Mendonca, Vamanjoor / Dubai

    Sun, Dec 13 2009

    Dear Rigel, Congratulations on your success. Hard work, dedication and the support of your parents have borne fruit. I am sure we will be hearing a lot about your achievements in the field of golf for a long time. Well done and God Bless.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson D'Souza, Ashoknagar(M'lore)/Dubai

    Fri, Dec 11 2009

    Hi Rigel, Congratulations on your success. Stay focussed and I am sure you will keep breaking the Golf record. May you shine as you grow and make yourself, your family, our country and the people around the globe proud.All the best!!! Renny & Ivan: Congratulations to you as well! But for your determination,sacrifices and magnanimous support, Rigel could do little. May your dreams come true! Nelson

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Regwin, Mulki/Mangalore

    Fri, Dec 11 2009

    Congratulations to you Rigel...keep it up.All the best.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • sannora, mumbai

    Fri, Dec 11 2009

    hi rigel congratulations v r very happy may god bless u and may u win many more tournaments take care

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Henry & Eileen Gonsalves, B'lore/Riyadh

    Fri, Dec 11 2009

    Congratulations dear Rigel! We are proud of your achievements. Looking forward to seeing you in the National team at major tournaments/Olympics. Congratulations to Ivan and Renny too!

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • SHAILESH FERNANDES, KONKAN TRADERS, MANGALORE

    Thu, Dec 10 2009

    We are proud of your great achievements. Our hearty “congratulations” to you and your proud parents, Our blessings and prayers are there with you always.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mathew Crasta, Kannada Kudru/Texas

    Thu, Dec 10 2009

    Great Achievement at 13, By 18 be The top International number ONE.Wish you good luck and Gods Abundant Blessings.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • fr Denzil Lobo SJ, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 10 2009

    Congrats Rigel. all of us are proud of you. I am sure very soon you are going to be as famous as "tiger Woods". Wish you all the best. Congrats to Ivan & Renny.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mark Denis D'souza, Niddodi/Sharjah,U.A.E.

    Thu, Dec 10 2009

    CONGRATULATIONS DEAR RIGEL,WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR ENDURE. Mark Denis D'souza.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Herman Lewis and Family, RADIO SPICE 105.4 FM, Dubai

    Thu, Dec 10 2009

    Hi, Rigel Fernandes, "Congratulations and very best wishes for the future. With your achievements at this young age, you have made all Mangalorean Proud of you, just like your Parents. Keep it up. Please remember, lots of youngsters from Mangalorean Community are looking up towards you as a role model. You have a major role to play to encourage these youngsters. We are sure you will live up to everyone's expectations. Your achievements will definitely spur interest in many youngsters to follow your example. Under your parents guidance you will achieve many more glories in your life and we wish you very best in your studies and in your carrier. GOD BLESS YOU. Our hearty “congratulations” to your proud parents Ivan, and Reny. Our Congratulations also to your brother and your Grandmother. Herman Lewis and family and the Radio Spice 105.4 FM TEAM

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis & Juliana Mascarenhas, Al Ain, U.A.E

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congratulations Rigel, keep up the effort and you will keep achieving. Good Luck and God Bless

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Wilfred J Lewis, Matpady-Brahmavar/ Manhattan-New York USA

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congratulations Rigel Fernandes. Your achivements in Golf at this age are really admirable. Keep it up, and be an International fame player. Wish you huge success...

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ranganath C. Kini, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Hi Rigel, Congratulations & All the Best. I am your dad's classmate from Mangalore. I pray God almighty that he gives you more Glory & Fame. Dad speaks about you whenever he meets me. Keep up the Good Work. Keep Winning & go Great Guns. BYe

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Ram Shetty, Mangalore/USA

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congratulations Rigel. Wish you all the best. Hope you can represent India in the 2016 olympics in Brazil. You have what it takes - go for it. Best wishes, Ram Shetty

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • MELVIN PERES KAIKAMBA, KAIKAMBA/BENDORE

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Great acheivement Rigel! But not to stop here. Go ahead we want you to be Professional Golfer playing many tournamentworldwide and fix your name amongst best Golfers of the world. Our blessings and prayers are always with you.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • MELVIN PERES KAIKAMBA, KAIKAMBA/BENDORE

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Great acheivement Rigel! But not to stop here. Go ahead we want you to be Professional Golfer playing many tournamentworldwide and fix your name amongst best Golfers of the world. Our blessings and prayers are always with you.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • peter peris, mangalore/dubai

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    congratulation,keep it up,god bless you

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaya Shetty, Karkala/Dubai

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congratulation Rigel.Keep it up.God bless you.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Royston and Amitha, Bejai/KSA

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congrats Rigel on your great achievments. Keep it up and all the best to you. (Indian Tiger Woods in the making)

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • jenny, Mangalore/Dubai

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Dear rigel wish all best in your future endevors. May god bless u in all that you do....proud of you. hey guys he is not Tiger wood of India he is "RIGEL OF INDIA"

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Mark & Orine, Jebel Ali

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    Congrats Rigel. Here is a young Indian prodigy, who will make headlines in Golf, in the years to come. We wish him goodluck and also to his parents for their continued support in achieving the feet.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • MICHAEL F. PAIS, DEREBAIL/VAMANJOOR

    Wed, Dec 09 2009

    CONGRATULATIONS AND ALL BEST WISHES "RIGEL". MAY GOD BLESS "U" WITH MANY LAURELS IN YOUR FUTURE LIFE!!! KEEP GOING ...

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Prakash Leema, Bhatkal / Dubai

    Tue, Dec 08 2009

    God bless you dear Rigel. Your dad is a great mangalorean entrepreneur. I wish you to become like Tiger woods.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Winston D'souza, Mangalore

    Tue, Dec 08 2009

    Congrats , Rigel, we feel happy to read any news of achievements by our Mangaloreans. Since you are young you have a bright future in Golf. We have a Golf course at Pilikula, Mangalore. This is located at Vamanjoor about 14 k.m. away. When you visit Mangalore next do let me know . We could arrange a game for you and the Club members will be proud to meet and felicitate you. Best of luck and God Bless. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Fr. Anand Pereira S.J., Mangalore/Omaha, USA

    Tue, Dec 08 2009

    Dear Rigel, Congratulations!Your achievements are incredible. It only shows the abundance of talent that you have within you. Keep it up. May you be able to reach great heights in the days ahead. My prayers and best wishes are with you. Ivan and Renny, congrats to you too. Your son has achieved so much mainly because of the encouragement he has received from you. I was indeed lucky to have met Rigel in July last year at Victor Pais's place in New Jersey.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Joe Gonsalves, Mangalore - U.S.A.

    Tue, Dec 08 2009

    It is a matter of great joy for us Mangaloreans to see that one of our own is making waves in U.S.A. I had heard about this young man Rigel but had not read an account of him. It is not just the talent but also the encouragement from the parents which gives the youngsters additional incentives to make a mark the world. Now a question!!! Can an apple tree produce a mango. No. It has to be only an apple. So also is the case with Rigel. The father Ivan spells success ever since his school days and today Ivan has made a mark and has set the trends for others to follow. Kudos to the father and son not forgetting the mother and the other members of the clan. And you Rigel... keep up the good work - and be THE TIGER WOOD OF INDIA. Joe Gonsalves

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • John M. Monteiro, Mangalore/Jebel Ali UAE

    Tue, Dec 08 2009

    Congrats, Rigel, we are proud of your achievements. Our blessings are always with you. Ivan & Renny you must be the proud parents. Victoria & John M. Monteiro, Jebel Ali, UAE

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Rigel Fernandes -Young Mangalorean Golfer Making News on US Shores



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.