Tamang, Madappa Share Lead after round one of Bengaluru Open

Co-Leader Subhash Tamang of Nepal in action on day one of the Bengaluru open at the KGA course on Tuesday. Image Courtesy PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Viraj Madappa and Subash Tamang led after one of the Rs 1 crore Bengaluru open at the Karnataka Golf Association course on Tuesday.

Kolkata’s Madappa and Nepal Golfer Tamang posted scores of 6 under par 65 to maintain a stroke advantage in the Indianoil powered event, the PGTI said.

Five players shared third place at 5-under 66, including N. Thangaraja of Sri Lanka, MD Muaj of Banglades, Lucknow’s Sanjeev Kumar, Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma and Saptak Talwar of Greater Noida.

The top ranked Bangalore players were Mari Muthu R., Chikkarangappa S. and Manoj S.on 2 under 69 to be tied for 19^e alongside defending champion Abhinav Lohan.

Madappa, the youngest Indian to win an international event at the age of 20 in 2018, made a steady start with three birdies and a bogey on the back nine.

He then surged ahead with five birdies and a bogey on the front nine, where he produced some exceptional wedge shots and a 55-foot conversion.

Well-known turf

“I missed my practice round here as I was playing abroad last week. However, my familiarity with KGA always helps as I have played here for several years,” Madappa said.

“My Caddy Selva is also from KGA and he knows the course in the back of his hand. All that contributed to a good start today despite missing the practice round.

Kolkata golfer Viraj Madappa Tees on his way to a share of the lead in Bangalore on Tuesday. Image Courtesy PGTI.

“I played good golf after winning the PGTI earlier this year, but somehow I didn’t put together four good rounds. That’s what I’ll do this week.”

Tamang’s excellent tee shots resulted in a strong back nine where he grabbed five birdies. He added two more on the front nine before dropping his only shot on the back nine.

“My riding and placing were excellent today. That’s exactly what is needed here at KGA,” said Tamang.

Confident display

“I’ve been in a good rhythm lately and have had a couple of top 10s recently. I’m feeding it off the confidence gained from those results.”

The Bengaluru Open, which returns for its fourth edition after a six-year gap, is powered by Indianoil, with Britannia and Marriott Hotel Whitefield as associate partners.

Said Marriot Whitefield GM Vivek Sharma: “We are delighted to partner with the PGTI which has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of golf in the country.

“We pride ourselves on creating enriching experiences that go beyond hospitality, and this association reflects our commitment to supporting sporting excellence.

“With the global recognition and stature of PGTI under the leadership of Kapil Dev, we look forward to meaningfully contributing to an event that celebrates talent, discipline and the spirit of the game.”

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