By Rahul Banerji
Arjun Prasad shot an 8-under 62 for the day one lead in the Rs 1 crore Tata Steel PGTI Players Championship at Tollygunge Club in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Fellow Delhi golfer and defending champion Sachin Baisoya (63) was second one shot behind at the opening event of the 2024 season, the PGTI said.
The four players bunched in third place with scores of 64 included rookie Stepan Danek of the Czech Republic, Udayan Mane, Karan Pratap Singh and local lad Mohammad Sanju.
Arjun Prasad, who turned 25 on Monday celebrated his birthday with a sizzling round that featured two eagles, five birdies and a bogey.
Prasad, who endured a tough season in 2023 due to a wrist injury, picked up four birdies on the front nine after leaving himself a few short birdie putts.
Minor hiccup
Other than a bogey before the turn, Arjun continued to roll along with two eagles including a chip-in and a birdie on the second nine that helped him to the top of the leaderboard.
Arjun said, “It was a pretty solid day for me. I created good chances with the wedges and my putting was on point as I was able to hole a lot of putts. Places where I missed the greens, I was able to make up and downs.
“At this course you need to hit the tee shots well and get in good positions to give yourself more birdie opportunities.”
Sachin Baisoya’s round of 63 featured eight birdies and a bogey.
Manu Gandas, the 2022 PGTI Order of Merit champion, was tied for seventh at 65 along with Rahil Gangjee and four others.
Round 1 leaders
62: Arjun Prasad
63: Sachin Baisoya
64: Stepan Danek; Udayan Mane; Karan Pratap Singh; Mohammad Sanju
Also read: Players Championship to tee off 2024 PGTI season at Tolly
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