Vishesh Sharma has displayed steely determination in dominating the Telanga Golconda Masters on his home HGA course despite his relative inexperience in top-flight golf at age 19. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Vishesh Sharma moved four shots clear of the field after the third round of the Rs 1 crore Telangana Golconda Masters at the Hyderabad Golf Association course on Thursday.
The 19-year-old, who began the day tied for the lead with Amardeep Malik, made seven birdies and a solitary bogey in his 6 under par 64 to reach 20 under 190, the DP World PGTI said.
Vishesh has now held at least a share of the lead after each round. Playing at his home club, he followed his course-record-equalling opening 60 with rounds of 66 and 64 to establish a commanding advantage ahead of the final day.
Malik (61-65-68), a two-time winner on the DP World PGTI, remained the closest challenger on 16 under 194. The 41-year-old from Noida made three birdies and dropped his only shot on the par-three ninth on the day.
Delhi’s Honey Baisoya (64-64-68) moved up one place to third on 14 under 196 after setting out two shots behind the joint leaders.
Opening-round co-leader Dhruv Sheoran of Gurgaon made three birdies and three bogeys in an even-par 70, slipping to fourth on 13 under 197, seven shots behind Vishesh.
Despite his sizeable advantage, Vishesh said playing in familiar surroundings provided more of an emotional lift than a technical edge.
Mental boost
“Playing in Hyderabad is always special,” he said. “If there is an advantage, I would describe it as more of a morale and mental boost than a course advantage.”
The teenager has tried to treat the tournament like one of his regular rounds at the venue, an approach that has helped him remain relaxed while leading a professional event.
“There is certainly a difference between playing a tournament here and playing a casual round,” he said.
“But I try to approach it as though I’m playing a normal game with my friends. That helps me stay relaxed and manage the pressure.”
His round was held together by several important par saves, including one on the eighth after his ball came to rest in an awkward lie between the fringe and the rough. He recovered to about 12 feet and converted the putt.
“That was a crucial par and helped me stay in the round. The birdie on 12 was another important moment. It helped me reset, gave the round fresh momentum and allowed me to add a few more birdies.”
His only bogey came on the par-four 13th, but he remained composed and continued to build his advantage.
Waiting game
“I was a little nervous at times, but I kept the ball in play and stayed patient,” he said.
The greens were quicker than during the first two rounds, a change Vishesh welcomed.
“I enjoy putting on faster greens because I like the feel of the ball rolling smoothly. They are in phenomenal condition — probably among the best I’ve experienced while playing here.”
Vishesh is 25th on the Order of Merit, one position outside the top 24 who will earn places at the season-ending DP World India Championship. However, he is determined not to let the qualification race distract him during the final round.
“It is obviously a major goal, but I’m not thinking about it while I’m on the course. Focusing on the rankings during a round would be futile and only create additional pressure.
“There are several experienced players behind me, but my approach will remain the same. I’ll continue doing what has worked for me all week and see what happens tomorrow.”
The day’s low round came from current rankings leader Saptak Talwar (70-67-61), who surged from tied 17th to fifth on 12 under 198.
Talwar’s nine-under 61 featured an eagle on the par-five fifth, eight birdies and one bogey. He also finished strongly with birdies on two of his last three holes.
“I’ve struggled over the past couple of weeks and haven’t played at the level I expect from myself,” Talwar said.
“Towards the end of the first round, I felt I was beginning to build some momentum, although yesterday was another fairly uneventful day.”
Talwar was alongside Veer Ahlawat and defending champion Jamal Hossain, his former teammates from 72 The League. The relaxed atmosphere within the group helped him rediscover his rhythm.
Good energy
“Today felt different from the outset,” he said. “I was playing in a comfortable group, fed off the energy and managed to put together a good round.
“Jamal and Veer both made several birdies later in the round. We kept talking, exchanged a few smiles and maintained a relaxed atmosphere, which helped all of us.”
Talwar will represent India at the Asian Games in Japan from September 30 to October 3 alongside Ahlawat, the 2024 DP World PGTI Rankings champion.
“The eagle was an important moment, and finishing with two birdies on the last three holes made the round even more satisfying,” Talwar said.
“I’m pleased with the score and, more importantly, with the direction in which my game is heading. Hopefully, I can put together another strong round tomorrow and get into contention.”
Panchkula’s 15-year-old Arjunveer Shishir (72-63-67), who became the youngest player to make the cut on the DP World PGTI, produced a bogey-free 67 to move into a share of 11th on 8 under 202.
Defending champion Hossain (72-66-72) of Bangladesh slipped from tied 24th to tied 41st at level-par 210.
Also read: Vishesh and Malik tied for halfway lead at Golconda Masters
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