Co-leader Subhash Tamang of Nepal in action on day one of the Bengaluru Open at the KGA course on Tuesday. Image courtesy PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Viraj Madappa and Subash Tamang led after day one of the Rs 1 crore Bengaluru Open at the Karnataka Golf Association course on Tuesday.
Kolkata’s Madappa and Nepal golfer Tamang posted scores of 6 under par 65 to hold a one-stroke advantage at the event powered by IndianOil, the PGTI said.
Five players shared third place on 5 under 66 including Sri Lanka’s N. Thangaraja, Md Muaj of Banglades, Lucknow’s Sanjeev Kumar, Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma and Saptak Talwar of Greater Noida.
The best placed Bangalore players were Mari Muthu R., Chikkarangappa S. and Manoj S.on 2 under 69 to be tied for 19th alongside defending champion Abhinav Lohan.
Madappa, the youngest Indian to win an international event at the age of 20 on the same course in 2018, made a steady start with three birdies and a bogey on the back nine.
He then powered ahead with five birdies and a bogey on the front nine where he produced some exceptional wedge shots and a 55-foot conversion.
Familiar turf
“I missed my practice round here as I was playing overseas last week. However, my familiarity with KGA always helps as I’ve played here for a number of years,” Madappa said.
“My caddie Selva is also from KGA and he knows the course at the back of his hand. All that contributed to a good start today despite missing out on the practice round.
Kolkata golfer Viraj Madappa tees off on his way into a share of the lead in Bangalore on Tuesday. Image courtesy PGTI.
“I’ve played some good golf after winning on the PGTI earlier this year but I’ve somehow not put together four good rounds. That’s what I’ll look to do this week.”
Tamang’s outstanding tee shots resulted in a strong back nine where he picked up five birdies. He added two more on the front nine before dropping his only shot on the ninth.
“My driving and putting were excellent today. That’s exactly what is required here at KGA,” Tamang said.
Confident display
“I’ve been in a good rhythm of late and have had some top 10s recently. I’m feeding off the confidence gained from those results.”
The Bengaluru Open, returning for its fourth edition after a six-year gap, is powered by IndianOil, with Britannia and Marriott Hotel Whitefield as associate partners.
Said Marriot Whitefield GM Vivek Sharma,“We are delighted to partner with the PGTI which has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of golf in the country.
“We take pride in creating enriching experiences that go beyond hospitality, and this association reflects our commitment to supporting sporting excellence.
“With PGTI’s global recognition and stature under the leadership of Kapil Dev, we look forward to contributing meaningfully at an event that celebrates talent, discipline, and the spirit of the game.”
Also read: Prasad ends a long wait for maiden title at Tamil Nadu Open
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