By Rahul Banerji
Chandigarh-based amateur Umed Kumar was a surprise member of a three-way tie for the lead after 36 holes of the Tata Steel PGTO Q School Final Stage in Jamshedpur on Wednesday.
Kolkata’s Mohammad Sanju and overnight leader Matias Dominguez of Chile were alongside Kumar at the Golmuri Golf Course, the PGTI said.
Nepal amateur Subash Tamang was two shots behind the joint leaders in fourth place.
The cut fell at two-over 144 and from a field of 122, the top 82 players including 11 amateurs and 16 overseas golfers made the cut.
Umed Kumar (66-65), overnight tied fifth and five strokes off the lead, mixed eight birdies and two bogeys on Wednesday to produce the day’s best round.
The 22-year-old, who calls the SEPTA course in Chandimandir near Chandigarh home, was exceptional in all aspects of his game.
Hot shots
A winner on the amateur circuit last year, Kumar got himself out of trouble with some outstanding wedge shots more than once and also set up four tap-in birdies on the day.
“My chipping and putting have always been my strength but recently I have made tremendous improvement in my iron play as well and that has reflected in my scores this week,” Kumar noted.
“I won the Eastern India Amateur here late last year. So, I was quite confident coming into the Q School as I knew I would once again play well at this venue.”
Mohammad Sanju returned a 66 to rise two spots and into the joint lead after an opening 65 while Dominguez (61-70) continued to lead the pack.
At the end of round four, the top 36 players will earn full cards for the 2024 PGTI season.
Also read: Dominguez rides hot streak to grab early lead at Final Qualifying
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