Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship begins

Sanjay Lama takes lead on Day-I

KATHMANDU, April 17: Sanjay Lama took three-stroke lead after first round of the Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship, seventh event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2022-23, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Monday.

Sanjay carded six-under 66 in the first round and he is three strokes ahead of two pros, Rajendra Shrestha Pradhan and Rabi Khadka. Rajendra and Rabi carded three-under 69 each to share the second position. Pokhara pro Bhu Bahadur Gurung is tied for fourth position with amateur golfers Subash Tamang and Sadbhav Acharya at two-under 70.

Likewise, Toran Bikram Shahi carded one-under 71 to share the seventh position with three amateur golfers, Yubraj Bhujel, Tashi Tsering and Vijay Shrestha Einhaus. Another amateur Suresh Tamang is tied for 11th position with pro Bhuwan Kumar Rokka at even-par 72.

Sanjay carded bogey-free four-under 32 on the front nine and added two-under 34 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the third, fourth, sixth and nine holes before taking the turn. Sanjay carded three more birdies on the 10th, 11th and 16th holes and faced the lone bogey of the day on the 14th hole.

Rajendra carded four-under 32 on the front nine and played one-over 37 on the back nine. He carded four birdies on the first, fourth, fifth and sixth holes and sank an eagle on the par-5 third hole. He dropped shots on the second and ninth holes. On the back nine, Rajendra faced a double bogey on the 14th hole and carded a birdie on the next hole.

Former top pro Rabi carded five-under 31 on the front nine but played two-over 38 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the first five holes and saved pars on four holes before taking the turn. Rabi faced a bogey on the 13th hole and suffered a triple bogey on the 14th against birdies on the 10th and 15th holes.

In the amateur section, Subash and Sadbhav are tied at two-under 70, while Yubraj Bhujel, Tashi Tsering and Vijay Shrestha Einhaus are one shot behind at one-under 71.

A total of 31 pros and nine amateur golfers are taking part in the event organized by PGA Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Cut will be applied after 36 holes and top 21 pros and ties along with six amateur golfers will make it to the final two rounds. The event carries a cash purse of Rs 800,000. The winner of the event will bag Rs 140,000, the runner-up will earn Rs 90,000 and the third place winner will get Rs 67,000. Other pros in top 21 will earn their share of cash prizes.