By Rahul Banerji
Moving Day inspired Yuvraj Singh Sandhu to a stunning seven under par 65, the tournament’s best round, that gave him a commanding four-shot lead at the J&K Open on Friday.
Chandigarh golfer Sandhu (69-70-65), a three-time winner on the PGTI, was on 12-under 204 and up one place at the event presented by J&K Tourism and played at the Jammu Tawi Golf Course.
His nearest challenger was overnight leader Khalin Joshi (70-68-70) of Bangalore, who struck an error-free 70 on Friday to total eight-under 208.
The two were well clear of the field.
Hyderabad’s Mohd Azhar (70), one of only four sub-par scorers for the day and Veer Ahlawat (72) of Gurgaon were tied third at two-under 214.
Form player Manu Gandas was tied ninth on two-over 218, Rashid Khan tied 14th on four-over 220, Udayan Mane was T23 on six-over 222 and reigning champion Honey Baisoya T30 on eight-over 224.
Sandhu’s dominant display saw him sink eight birdies in all.
After dropping a shot early, Sandhu, currently second on the PGTI Order of Merit, made up with three birdies before the turn that included converting putts from seven to 12 feet.
Yuvraj, who found more fairways on this narrow layout in round three as compared to the previous two days, fared even better on the relatively tougher back nine.
Exceptional play
His homeward journey featured three conversions from 10 to 18 feet. There was also an exceptional bunker shot that set up a tap-in and a closing four-foot conversion.
“While hitting off the tee today, I went in with the approach that placing it on the fairway would make a bigger difference than just getting distance,” Sandhu said later.
“So I kept myself in play for much of the round. I feel this golf course needs to be respected, especially the back nine and that’s what I did today.
“Taking into account the hot and humid weather, I had to keep myself hydrated. I did that and importantly kept my energy levels going with bananas and energy bars.”
Joshi made pars all the way till the 12th before leaving himself short birdie putts on 13 and 18 in his solid 70.
Also read: Khalin Joshi takes narrow lead into Moving Day at J&K Open
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