Karandeep claims lead in PGTI golf

Karandeep Kochhar of Chandigarh and Delhi’s Kshitij Naveed Kaul fired scores of 7-under 64 to end round one as joint leaders at The Poona Club Open. The Delhi duo of Rashid Khan and Saarthak Chhibber produced rounds of 6-under 65 to be placed tied third.

Divyansh Dubey, who sank two eagles during his round of 66, was the highest-placed among the Pune-based professionals. Divyansh shared fifth place along with Chandimandir’s Chandarjeet Yadav and Bengaluru’s M Dharma. Among the prominent names, Tata Steel PGTI Ranking leader Veer Ahlawat carded a 68 to be tied 12th while local favourite Udayan Mane returned a 72 to be tied 60th.

Kochhar, who was in great driving form came up with a flawless 64 on Wednesday. Kochhar, converted two short birdie putts on the front-nine before driving the green on the par-4 ninth and rolling in a 15-footer for eagle there. He drove the very next green on the par-4 10th to set up a two-putt for birdie there. The 25-year-old Asian Tour regular thereafter added two more birdies to his card, including another 15-feet conversion. “It’s about taking advantage on the short par-4 holes at this course. There are a few narrow fairways, but the rough is not up, so one can still be aggressive with the driver,” he said.

Kaul made eight birdies and a bogey during his opening round.