Veer Ahlawat is T3 at Asian Tour season-ending Saudi Open

By Rahul Banerji

DLF golfer Veer Ahlawat fired a resolute 5 under par 66 on Moving Day to share third place at the Saudi Open presented by Public Investment Fund in Riyadh on Saturday.

The $1 million event at the Riyadh Golf Club is the final one of the Asian Tour’s 2023 season and will decide card status for those in the drop zone that begins from 65^th place.

Of the Indian contingent in Riyadh, at least five – Ahlawat, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Karandeep Kochhar, Chikkarangappa S. and Rashid Khan – will keep their 2024 cards.

Currently 61^st in the Order of Merit, Ajeetesh Sandhu did make the cut at Riyadh but stands to miss out unless he improves on his current 67^th place on 4 over 217.

Joining Ahlawat (70-67-66, 10 under 203) in the top six was Chikkarangappa who was a shot behind after Saturday’s round with cards of 71, 67 and 66.

Newly promoted to the Asian Tour, Yuvraj Sandhu (71-67-69) was tied 19^th on 6 under 207.

Good comeback

Placed fourth on the Order of Merit, Indonesian Masters winner Bhullar has rebounded well from an opening 76 and is now in a share of 25^th place with subsequent cards of 64 and 68.

Thailand’s Phachara Khongwatmai had a 4 under 67 to lead countryman Denwit Boriboonsub (202) by one shot on 12 under 201 while Ahlawat shared third place alongside Australians Travis Smyth and Todd Sinnott.

The lanky Ahlawat mixed seven birdies with two dropped shots for his 66 on the day and was matched by the recently wedded Chikka.

Bhullar continued his recovery from a disappointing first day with a bogey-free run while Yuvraj Sandhu swapped three birdies for one bogey.

Fellow Chandigarh Ajeetesh Sandhu however continued to struggle with cards of 73, 70 and 74, putting his place on the Asian Tour in jeopardy.

The soon-to-be-married Ajeetesh currently has 316.2 points. In 61st place, he is in the drop zone with others further up the leaderboard well placed to gain at his expense but for a strong Sunday finish.

According to the tour’s website, OOM points for the event have been elevated to a tier-3 tournament on par with the International Series making more gains available for those still in the fray.

At Riyadh, the winner will earn 700 points, solo 10^th 80 points, while those in last place receive four points.

Also read: Bhullar battles into 36-hole Sunday playoff for LIV Golf berths