By Rahul Banerji
Defending champion Yuvraj Singh Sandhu of Chandigarh fired a nine-under-par 63 to take the lead in round one of the IndianOil Servo Masters at the Digboi Golf Links on Wednesday.
Sri Lankan Anura Rohana, who made two chip-ins on the day, returned an eight-under 64 to hold second place at the Rs. 75 lakh event.
Delhi’s Kshitij Naveed Kaul was third at on while Greater Noida’s Arjun Sharma was a further shot back in fourth.
Sandhu, the current PGTI Order of Merit leader and winner of four titles this season, made a flying start with three birdies on his first four holes.
A bogey and birdie by the ninth hole meant that he made the turn on three-under.
The 25-year-old then got back on track and picked up six shots on his way back to the clubhouse, landing the ball close to the pin consistently.
Sandhu drove the par-4 14th green to set up a two-putt birdie there.
Nostalgia return
Yuvraj said, “I’m feeling a little nostalgic coming back to the venue where I won my first PGTI event last year, playing on those good memories.
“This year the weather is even better and that makes the playing experience here at Digboi that much more special.
“The stretch of birdies from 11 onwards was the highlight today. After a good start, I had a quiet few holes but then on the back nine I kept telling myself to hit maximum greens in regulation.
“With that thought, I started hitting the ball really close and got on a birdie run.
“I had a total of 16 greens in regulation today and thanks to my good ball striking the longest putt I made was 15 feet.”
Rohana mixed an eagle and seven birdies with a bogey, chipping in for birdies on the one and six. He made a 10-foot eagle conversion on seven.
Excellent chipping
Anura said, “My game within 100 yards, excellent chipping and bunker shots were the reasons for my good score today. I also read the greens really well.
“It’s an important week for me as I’m currently outside the top 60 of the Order of Merit and need to make a move up to retain my card. I hope to make the most of this good start.”
Rohan Dhole Patil of Pune began the week with a hole-in-one on 10. He put together a 67 to be tied fifth along with Kolkata’s Divyanshu Bajaj.
Khalin Joshi shot a 69 to be tied for 13th while Udayan Mane and Manu Gandas carded 70s to be tied 19th.
Among the local professionals, Deven Bhumij was tied for 32nd on 71 while Dulal Kalowar and Deepraj Chetia were both tied 44th on level par 72.
Also read: IndianOil Servo Masters set to tee off at Digboi Golf Links in Assam
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