Mandeo Singh leads the Surya Nepal Masters by two shots – Indian Golf Tour
The Surya Nepal Masters started today at the par-72, Gokarna Golf Resort in Nepal. The course was in a good shape as the players took advantage of the conditions. Total prize money sanctioned for this four-day championship is a lucrative one.
Mandeo Singh Pathania from India leads after the first round commenced today. He played exceedingly well during the day and carded a superb round of six-under par, 66 for the day. This was a brilliant performance by him as he looked in great touch with his
smooth putting stroke.
Singh had a fantastic bogey-free round and posted six birdies on his score-card. He was five-under for his first nine and only had a single birdie on the back nine. Singh also was driving well of the tee and was superb with his short game. He is two clear
of the field.
This was a great round by the seasoned player. He was quite happy as he did not have a single drop shot during the day. His hard work before the tournament on the practice range has paid dividends. The Indian is confident of continuing his form during the
next three rounds to win the title.
Sri Lankan Mithun Perera and Indian Harendra Gupta are tied for the second spot on the leader board. Both these players have a score of four-under par, 68 and are just two behind the leader.
Perera, who recently turned his status to professional, was looking in great form. He only had a single bogey on his card followed by five birdies. The only bogey came on the long par-4, 4th where his approach shot was stuck in the greenside bunker.
The youngster was also hitting the ball well off the fairway. His putting stats are on the low-side as he had a good read on the greens. This will be his maiden victory if he continues to post under par rounds in the next three days.
As for Gupta, he is a seasoned campaigner. He knows much about the game and can play well under pressure. There were five birdies and only had a single drop shot on his card. His bogey came on the long par-5, where his approach missed the green completely.
From thereon, he had to be content with a bogey. Gupta was very much satisfied with the way he played during the first round and is hoping to continue his birdie streak in the next three rounds also.
The local lad, Toran Bikram Shahi, is placed at the fourth position after the first round. He had a moderate round of three-under par, 69. The youngster had one eagle, three birdies and two bogeys for the day. He scored an eagle on the par-5, 7th
where his third shot landed on the green and rolled inside the hole.
Second round of the tournament will commence tomorrow. All these top players will be hoping to dominate on the second day also by carding under par rounds.
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