The South Asian Golf Association (SAGA) marked its 22nd annual golf outing with a renewed focus on scholarships, youth participation, women’s golf and community giving.
The organization held its 22nd Open Annual Golf Outing at Cobblestone Creek Country Club on September 19, bringing together members, families, guests, sponsors and volunteers. SAGA, founded in 2004, now has more than 100 members and has expanded beyond competitive golf to support community initiatives through the SAGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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A major highlight was a $150,000 contribution to the SAGA Foundation by longtime supporters Dr. Anil Joshi and Anju Joshi, parents of the late Anish Joshi. The family has supported SAGA for more than a decade, including funding the Anish Joshi Memorial Trophy and providing $5,000 annually for nine years toward the organization’s college scholarship program, benefiting about two dozen students.
“The Joshis’ generosity has helped us turn SAGA into something much larger than a golf organization,” SAGA Founder and President Mahesh Yadav said. He said the support is helping create opportunities for young people, support students and grow golf in the community while preserving Anish Joshi’s legacy.
The contribution has also encouraged new donor support. Longtime SAGA supporter Rajiv Rudra of Long Island has committed funding for a junior girls’ golf incentive program. Beginning in 2027, eligible girls aged 18 and under can receive awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for winning recognized 36-hole tournaments, county high school championships or state championships.
SAGA also awarded its 2026 college scholarships to Vidhi Lakhawala, a University of North Carolina student, and Nesa Shah, a University of Pennsylvania student.
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The 2026 season included SAGA’s first two-day Ryder Cup, the UHC Cup, SAGA Open and year-long SAGA Tour. The organization also reported increased participation by women, including its first women’s foursome earlier in the season.
Deep Thapliyal won the 2026 SAGA Tour Championship and the Anish Joshi Memorial Trophy, while Faisal Ali was named Most Improved Golfer after reducing his handicap from 9.9 to 3.8.