Binu tops leaders’ board on Day 1 of golf premier league

Karnataka’s Shaurya Binu held a one-shot lead to top the leaders’ board on the opening day of the Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) at the Chandigarh Golf Club. Coming from 2-over, the 24-year-old displayed great grit and determination to top the table with 3-under 69.

Binu, trailing after six holes, fought back with a birdie at the 8th and 13th holes to get even par. A string of pars brought him to the last hole, and he made the opening day memorable with three consecutive birdies by the end of the day. “I really loved the first day – the set up was engaging. Golfers have an advantage of playing in full flow, as no cuts are applied in this format,” said Binu, who turned professional in 2023 and won his first professional title last year.

Gaganjeet Bhullar, who is India’s most successful golfer on the Asian Tour, alongside the consistent M Dharma and a prodigious amateur from Chandigarh, Krish Chawla, shared the second spot with a 2-under 70. The only other player who went under par was Harendra Gupta (71).

Krish Chawla, a student of Strawberry Fields High School in Sector 26, had two early birdies in the first six holes and then back-to-back gains on the back. Having one bogey each on either side of the course helped him end the opening day with 2-under 70. Dharma finished with four birdies and two bogeys for his 70. Meanwhile, Veer Ganapathy, Kartik Singh and Raghav Chug shot 1-over 73 each in the first group.

The best score among women golfers, who are playing for the same purse, came from Jahanvi Bakshi. Coming back after a long injury lay-off, she shot 1-over 73. Khushi Khanijau and amateur Mannat Brar followed her in the second position.