Flying start to DP World PGTI season for Sharma in New Raipur

Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma is on his way to a one-shot lead on the opening day of the SECL Chhattisgarh Open in New Raipur on Tuesday. Image courtesy of DP World PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Akshay Sharma equaled the course record for first-round lead at the Rs 1.5 crore SECL Chhattisgarh Open, the season opener of the DP World PGTI in New Raipur on Tuesday.

Sharma matched Khalin Joshi’s score of 9-under-par 60 at last year’s Fairway Golf & Lake Resort, although favored lies are in play this year, and twice narrowly missed a hole-in-one, according to the DP World PGTI.

The two-time DP World PGTI winner had a bogey-free card with five birdies on the front nine and four on the return, including two birdie putts from 15 feet.

“It was a dream round, one of those days when every aspect of my game was top class: driving, iron play and putting,” said Sharma from Chandigarh.

“I only missed three greens in regulation and missed the hole-in-one by one foot twice – on holes 2 and 17. I was in good form at the end of last year with a couple of top-10 finishes.

“I have the feeling that I am now building on that form. Last year I also had a good performance here with a place in the top 10. So I am quite familiar with this course.”

Fresh face

Sixteen-year-old Kartik Singh, fresh from a tie for seventh at the PGTI Qualifying School last week and making his DP World PGTI debut, made an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey to share second place at 8-under 61.

Seven players were tied for fourth on 7 under 62, including 2025 Order of Merit leader Arjun Prasad and former OoM winner Om Prakash Chouhan.

Kartik, a former India No. 1 junior and amateur, said: “I am thrilled to start so well in my very first event at the PGTI.

“I came back well after a bogey on the first hole. My mindset every day is to shoot a good round and play the best I can.”

“I made a lot of long putts today and chipped once. It’s definitely very competitive at the DP World PGTI and I feel like I need to raise my game further to compete here.”

Finance Minister OP Choudhary hit the ceremonial tee-off in the morning before meeting some of the professionals participating in the event.

Positive image

“Events like the SECL Chhattisgarh Open help build a positive image for Chhattisgarh and change the perception of the state,” Choudhary said.

“Our focus has been on developing the green capital and promoting sports in the state. We expect many new sports facilities and academies to come up in Chhattisgarh.

“Developing sports in the state has many benefits as it creates employment opportunities, inspires young athletes and showcases the state as a hub of sporting activities and a major tourist destination.

“This in turn attracts investments leading to economic growth and income generation. Economic growth in the state can then drive welfare and social schemes for the masses.”

Also Read: SECL Chhattisgarh Open to conclude the new DP World PGTI season

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