NEW DELHI - Golfer Gagan Verma was given the top amateur award by Jeev Milkha Singh at the Rolex awards ceremony.

Jeev, India’s top professional and world No. 34, gave away the first series of awards Tuesday night. Jeev is also a Rolex Brand Ambassador.

Rashid Khan, the rising star on the national amateur tour, was feted with the most outstanding junior golfer award.

Rashid, in his rookie year, has won three back-to-back titles. He has shown a lot of promise through his junior days, having done well both in India and outside,

Rashid’s compatriot Chikkaranagappa was crowned the top junior, with the Bangalore lad winning the Eastern India Championship.

The awards were also handed out to Gauri Monga and young Gurbani Singh, who is fresh from her victory at the All India Ladies Amateur championship.

Rolex also tied up with the Indian Golf Union (IGU) as its Official Timekeeper.

Jeev said: ‘The awards will go a long way in motivating and creating a zeal amongst the youngsters to give their best.’

T.T. Jagannathan, the IGU president, was confident that the tie up would ensure that more stars continue to emerge from the junior and amateur circuit.

‘There is no doubt that the Amateur Tour is the breeding ground for our future champions. Jeev along with many others had a celebrated amateur career before donning the mantle of torch bearers of Indian golf. Thus with this tie-up, IGU will now be able to concentrate more on a structured development programme’ he said.