Jamal Hossain sets a hot pace on day one of Golconda Masters

Jamal Hossain in action on day one of the Rs 1 crore Telangana Golconda Masters at the Hyderabad Golf Association course on Tuesday. The Bangladesh golfer shot a bogey-free 61 for a one-shot lead over the field. Image courtesy PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Dhaka’s Jamal Hossain fired 9 under par 61 in the opening round of the NSL Luxe presents Telangana Golconda Masters at the Hyderabad Golf Association course on Tuesday.

It gave the experienced Bangladesh golfer a one-stroke lead over Akshay Sharma (62) of Chandigarh at the Rs 1 crore event, the PGTI said.

After heavy overnight rain, Tuesday was dry despite cloudy skies, bringing some relief to the 123-strong field with temperatures dropping into the mid-20s, and players made full use of the conditions.

Five-time PGTI winner Hossain was brilliant off the tee and with the wedges during a flawless round. He had five birdies on the front nine thanks to a bunker chip-in and accurate short iron play.

Making gains

Jamal added four more birdies on the back nine of the par-70 HGA layout including 12-feet conversions on the last two holes.

The 40-year-old, currently 14^th on the PGTI Order of Merit with two runner-up finishes to his credit this season, said, “I was very consistent with my hitting and chipping today. 

“I’ve been playing really well in recent weeks but not able to put together four solid rounds. That’s what I’ll look to do from here on. The course is in fantastic condition despite the heavy rains recently.”

Sharma’s two birdie chip-ins contributed towards a top-notch round of 62. He had seven birdies on the back nine before adding three more birdies and two bogeys on the way home.

Tapendra Ghai of Gurgaon returned a 64 to hold third place.

Last week’s winner N. Thangaraja of Sri Lanka returned a 65 to be tied for fourth along with seven others.

Hyderabad-based professional Vishesh Sharma fired a 68 for a share of 32^nd place as the best of the local players in the field.

Delhi-based Arjun Prasad, currently second in the PGTI’s merit list, shot a 69 to be tied 42^nd.

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