Local boy Khalin Joshi made the most of home comfort and familiarity to fire himself into a four-shot lead on day one of the Bengaluru Open at the KGA course on Tuesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Khalin Joshi fired a career-low score to hold a four-shot lead after the opening round of the Rs 1 crore Bengaluru Open at the Karnataka Golf Association on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Bangalore golfer, competing at his home course, recorded an eagle on the par-five 11th and nine birdies in is flawless 11 under par 61 at the tournament’s fifth edition, the DP World PGTI said.
Joshi is coming off victory at last week’s Nava Raipur Open, his third title of the season. He began the week seventh in the Race to DP World India Championship.
Local teenager Manoj S. also went bogey-free, making seven birdies in a 7 under 65 to hold second place behind Joshi. The 18-year-old is currently 31st in the season’s standings.
Delhi’s 23-year-old Shaurya Bhattacharya made eight birdies and two bogeys in a 6 under 66 to take sole possession of third place having entered the tournament ranked 17th in the season standings.
Mari Muthu R., Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja, Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar and former Asian Tour winner Himmat Singh Rai of Delhi were tied for fourth on 5 under 67s.
The 41-year-old Mari Muthu, another local golfer, mixed six birdies with one bogey, while Thangaraja, 45, made five birdies in a blemish-free round.
Greater Noida’s Talwar, who will represent India at the Asian Games in Japan next week, picked up seven shots against two bogeys.
Eventful run
Himmat endured a more eventful round, offsetting a bogey and a double bogey with eight birdies.
Tied for eighth place on 4 under 68 were Veer Ahlawat, Sunit Chowrasia, South African Gerhardus Jacobus Pepler, Gurki Shergill, Yuvraj Singh and Saurav Rathi.
Joshi was delighted to carry winning form into his home event.
“I’m very comfortable playing at my home course, and it is encouraging that the good form has continued from last week,” he said.
“I’m pleased with the way I played and handled myself today.”
Joshi had his Thai girlfriend Ploychompoo Wilairungrueng on the bag for the first time in a DP World PGTI event. The professional golfer and instructor had previously caddied for him on the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour.
“She keeps the atmosphere light and has a calming influence on me,” Joshi said.
“She is also a very good reader of greens. I asked for her help on two or three important putts, and she got every line right.”
Although preferred lies were in effect, Joshi was delighted to register his career’s lowest score.
“I was nervous on the first tee, but hitting my opening drive out of the centre immediately settled me down,” he said.
Comfort factor
“I’ve known this course since I was four, so once I got going, I felt comfortable.
“My game was solid from tee to green. I hit several approaches close and holed some good putts. More than the score, I’m pleased with how composed I remained.”
Returning home after nearly two months on the road has also provided Joshi with a relaxed environment.
“It is wonderful to be back, eat home-cooked food and spend time with my family and girlfriend,” he said.
“It feels almost like a holiday, but I know it is only the first round. I’ll get some rest and prepare for tomorrow.”
The Bengaluru Open is the final tournament before the top 60 on the Order of Merit are confirmed post the ongoing event and who will retain playing rights for the 2026-27 season and avoid the Qualifying School beginning on October 2.
The fifth edition of Bengaluru Open is powered by IndianOil, and has Hilton Bengaluru Embassy GolfLinks and Himalayan as event partners.
Also read: Khalin Joshi nets season’s third title with Nava Raipur Open win
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