Sandhu takes early lead at IndianOil Servo Masters in Digboi

IndianOil Servo Masters day one leader Yuvraj Sandhu in action at the Digboi Golf Links in Assam on Tuesday. Image courtesy PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

PGTI Ranking leader Yuvraj Sandhu marked his return to the Digboi Golf Links with a classy 7 under par 65 and a two-shot lead in round one of the IndianOil Servo Masters on Tuesday.

Winner of the Servo Masters in 2021 and 2022, Sandhu had eight birdies against one bogey in his opening round at a venue he won his first title four years ago, the PGTI said.

Five golfers were tied for second place on 5 under 67s including 2019 winner Veer Ahlawat, Anshul Kabthiyal, Shivendra Singh Sisodia, Yuvraj Singh and Bangladesh’s Md Somrat Sikdar.

The Servo Masters, in its silver jubilee edition, has a special place in the history of Indian professional golf as the longest running tournament on the domestic circuit and on the PGTI. 

The tournament is North-East India’s premier professional event in terms of its prize purse, the strong field it attracts every year, the top-class playing conditions and the high level of competition.

IndianOil has reiterated its commitment to the growth of Indian professional golf by raising the prize purse of the event to an all-time high of Rs 1 crore this year.

Fast start

Sandhu had four birdies on the back nine from some top-class chip-putts. The swirling wind on the first hole led to Yuvraj’s only bogey of the day. 

However, Sandhu, who hit 17 greens in regulation, came back by adding four birdies thereafter including a tap-in on the second where his on-point tee shot negated the tough pin position.

“It’s great to be back in Digboi as I have fond memories of this place,” Sandhu said. 

“I learnt my golf in the North-East so I’m familiar with the conditions here, especially the grass that we’re playing on. I’ve also played on similar grass in Taiwan on the Asian Tour. 

Solid foundation

“My ball striking was outstanding today. I couldn’t have asked for a better start and now my focus will be on building on this solid foundation.”

Winner of last week’s Rs 1 crore Trident Open at the Chandigarh Golf Club, Manu Gandas, was in a share of 12th place on 2 under 70.

Sisodia’s 67 featured two eagles on holes nine and 11, one coming from a 15-foot conversion and the other from a chip-in.

Kabthiyal brought in a clean card that included an eagle and three birdies in his 67 while Ahlawat’s score had seven birdies and two bogeys.

Dulal Kalowar of Digboi was the best-placed of the local professionals after he shot a 72 to be tied 24^th.

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