Spain’s Elvira posts record 63 to lead Black Bull Challenge

By Rahul Banerji

Manuel Elvira recorded a nine-under 63 in the opening round of the Duncan Taylor Black Bull Challenge to lead the $300,000 event in Bangalore on Thursday.

Elvira’s 63 featured 10 birdies and a bogey and is the lowest round in a professional event at the Karnakata Golf Association, the PGTI said.

The 26-year-old from Santander in Spain was one shot ahead of Welshman Oliver Farr who had an error-free 64 at the event co-sanctioned by the Challenge Tour and PGTI.

Local golfer M. Dharma and Patna’s Aman Raj were among the nine players bunched in tied third on 67.

Elvira – on his first trop to India –continued his impressive start to the season, which has seen him climb into the top 20 on the Road to Mallorca Rankings.

The Spaniard’s 63 was one short of the course record of 10-under 62 set by Khalin Joshi in an amateur event in 2012.

“Everything was on point with my game today. I put myself in position off the tee, hit some really good approach shots and then managed to hole my putts and make some birdies,” said Elvira.

Solid off the tee

Dharma, playing at his home course, knocked in seven birdies and two bogeys during his 67.

A two-time winner on the PGTI, Dharma said, “I had 16 greens in regulation today which set up the day for me.

“I definitely feel I have the home course advantage as I know what to do when I miss the fairway or the green. The two three-putts today was the only dampener. I’ve been starting well at events but not finishing well. That’s something I’ll look to fix.”

Aman Raj, fresh from a win on the PGTI earlier this month and second on the PGTI’s money list, endured a first-hole bogey but came back strongly with six birdies thereafter.

Aman said, “I had a testing time on my opening hole, the 10^th but managed a good 30-foot bogey conversion there despite finding the hazard.

“That gave me a lot of confidence. After the birdie on the 13^th, I felt I was swinging it better and from the 14^th onwards I felt in control finding all fairways and greens.

“I know my game is in good shape after my recent win so I just need to be patient. Once the putts start rolling in here, it’s a course where one can go deep.”

Mari Muthu, Aryan Roopa Anand, Sunhit Bishnoi, Angad Cheema, Aadil Bedi and Sudhir Sharma were in tied 12^th place on 68.

Mohammad Sanju produced an ace on the fourth hole during his round of 72 that had him tied 86^th.

Also read: Indians eager to cash in on Black Bull Challenge Tour opportunity