Bangalore’s Mari Muthu stands on the thresholf of a maiden professional win with a two-stroke 36-hole lead at the NexGen event at Mohali on Thursday. Image courtesy PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Overnight joint leader Mari Muthu R. (61-64) returned a level par 64 to take the sole lead on day two of the PGTI NexGen event at Forest Hill Golf & Country Club in Mohali on Thursday
On a tournament total of 3 under 125, the Bangalore golfer is two strokes ahead of fellow day one leader Umed Kumar of Chandigarh, who made his professional debut on Wednesday.
The Chandigarh-based 24-year-old followed his opening 61 with a 2 over 66 on Thursday to total 1 under 127 after 36 holes, the PGTI said.
Mohammad Razu (65-65) of Bangladesh was third on 2 over 130.
The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is a par-64 nine-hole course played twice to complete a round.
The cut fell at 10-over 138 with 41 professionals making third and final round.
Slow start
Mari Muthu, searching for his maiden title, made a slow start on Thursday with two birdies, three bogeys and a double over the first 12 holes where he struggled with his putting.
Three over after 12 holes, the 40-year-old recovered splendidly with three birdies over the final six holes, landing his wedges within four feet each time.
“It was very windy and tough to control shots which reflects in the scores,” Mari Muthu said later.
“My wedge play and chipping were excellent for the second straight day. But it was an ordinary day with the putter for me. I missed a lot of short putts.
“I managed to regain my momentum from the 13th hole onwards where I hit a terrific chip shot to set up a tap-in birdie. Now feel confident going into the final round.”
Umed Kumar made two bogeys during his round of 66.
Also read: Debutant Umed shares day one Forest Hill lead with Mari Muthu
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.