Jyoti Randhawa, Harmeet Kahlon and Rahul Ganapathy fired impressive scores of six-under 66 each to move into leading positions after Day One of the BILT Open here at the Jaypee Greens.
However, Indian golf's wunderkind Shiv Kapur and veteran Gaurav Ghei had forgettable outings, both carding a three over 75.
It should be noted that the event forms part of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) that was started by some of the players who were unhappy with the Professional Golfers Association of India (PGAI).
While Randhawa carded a bogey-free round with six birdies on the fifth, seventh, ninth, 11th, 13th and 16th holes, Harmeet made eight birdies and two bogies on way to a 66. Rahul Ganapathy too made a flurry of birdies -- seven in all.
Randhawa, who had clinched the Indian Open last week, looks in impressive form. He holed a ten-footer on the ninth and a 20-foot putt on the 11th for birdies. "I hit the ball well and my confidence is riding high from last week. Moreover, the Indian Open playoff toughened me up and I am feeling good about my game," said a relaxed Randhawa.
While Harmeet credited the good show to his putting, Shiv could barely impress on that front. He has not been putting well and he was quick to acknowledge that. "I missed many putts," said Kapur. "I have not been putting well and my confidence is low. And it is a putting contest out there, specially today as there was no wind."
{{/usCountry}}While Harmeet credited the good show to his putting, Shiv could barely impress on that front. He has not been putting well and he was quick to acknowledge that. "I missed many putts," said Kapur. "I have not been putting well and my confidence is low. And it is a putting contest out there, specially today as there was no wind."
{{/usCountry}}Gaurav Ghei was also dissatisfied with his putting. "I missed everything left and feel it is something I need to sort out. I found it tough to hit birdies and a good day on the greens here can ensure a really low score. I hit the ball really close but could not convert those shots into birdies," said Ghei, who three-putted the 14th and fifth hole.
Gurbaaz Mann, C Muniyappa and amateur Gagan Verma were tied for fourth place, a stroke behind the leaders, at five-under-par 67. Gurbaaz carded a bogey-free round with five birdies. Muniyappa hit eight birdies but three bogeys spoiled the day for him.