Delhi rookie Shaurya Bhattacharya, one of three co-leaders, in action on the opening day of the Coimbatore Open at Coimbatore GC on Wednesday. Image courtesy PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Three players struck 6 under par 66s to share the opening day lad at the Rs 1 crore KGiSL presents Coimbatore Open at Coimbatore Golf Club on Wednesday.
Chandigarh’s Ranjit Singh, Delhi rookie Shaurya Bhattacharya and Yashas Chandra M.S. of Mysore were at the head of the pack at the event powered by Prima Donna, one shot ahead of rookies Michele Ortolani of Italy and Hyderabad’s Milind Soni.
The seasoned Ranjit Singh, a 10th tee starter, had an early gain with his chip-in from the bunker for birdie and built on the momentum, landing it to within five feet to collect three more strokes, converting from 10 and 25 feet on the fourth and ninth holes, the PGTI said.
Ranjit said, “It’s my lowest round in over two years and a bogey-free effort, so I’m thrilled with this start.
“I recently changed my irons so that helped me a great deal today because I felt quite comfortable with the new irons. Was also motivated to play well as my playing partner Shamim Khan too had a good round.”
After an early bogey, Bhattacharya’s excellent ball-striking ensured he came back strongly with four birdies on the front nine. Shaurya negated a second bogey with a brilliant eagle conversion from 25 feet on hole 13 and two more birdies from between 10 and 17 feet on the back nine.
Tough rough
Shaurya, playing in Coimbatore for the first time, said, “The rough is quite thick here so I earned the reward for keeping the ball in play throughout and hitting 17 greens in regulation.
“The putter also clicked so I could convert those birdie opportunities. I worked on my swing and my fitness during the mid-season break and I feel all that hard work is now paying off.”
Chandra produced some great approach shots and a terrific tee shot on the par-3 fourth hole during his flawless first round.
Yashas said, “A bout of fever affected my performance last week at my home course. But I’ve fully recovered now and am feeling good about my game once again after having played well in the first half of the season.
“After the brief spell of rain today, we were back to the typical Coimbatore GC conditions with the wind picking up so that’s why I’m very happy about today’s effort.”
Coimbatore-based amateur J. Vignessh carded a 77 to be tied 102nd while local professional Sidhartha Sharathram was a further shot behind in tied 107th place.
Also read: Strong field for Coimbatore Open as event tees off Wednesday
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