KATHMANDU, MARCH 5: Four players shared lead after first round of Surya Nepal Challenge, the sixth event of Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2018-19, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.
Professional golfers Sanjay Lama, Jayaram Shrestha and Ram Krishna Shrestha shared the lead with amateur player Binod Tamang after all four players carded two-under 66. Likewise, five pros Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, Deepak Magar, defending champion Bhuwan Nagarkoti, Bishnu KC and Rame Magar and amateur golfer Subash Tamang shared the fifth position at one-under 67.
Another five players – pros Surya Prasad Sharma, Dinesh Prajapati, Pradeep Kumar Lama and Rabi Khadka were tied for 11th with amateur player Rahul BK at even-par 68.
Co-leader Sanjay carded three-under 31 on the front nine that included an eagle on the first hole and a birdie on the fourth hole. He then played one-over 35 on the back nine. He sank an eagle on the 13th hole but faced bogeys on the 10th, 15th and 18th holes.
Jayaram played one-over 35 on the front nine and carded three-under 31 on the back nine. He faced bogeys on the second and seventh holes against a birdie on the fourth hole. On the bogey-free back nine, Jayaram carded birdies on the 11th, 14th and 16th holes.
Likewise, Ram Krishna played even-par 34 on the front nine where he carded birdies on the second and ninth holes. On the back nine, Ram Krishna carded two-under 32. He faced a bogey on the 12th and carded a birdie on the 13th hole.
Amateur Binod carded two-under 32 on the front nine and played even-par 34 on the back nine. Binod carded birdies on the first and fourth holes against bogeys on the sixth and eighth holes. On the back nine, Binod faced a bogey on the 14th hole against birdies on the 10th, 13th and 17th holes.
A total of 33 pros and nine amateurs are participating in the tournament organised by Nepal PGA under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Private Limited. There shall be a cut applied after 36 holes. 21 top scoring professionals with the ties (if any) and top six amateurs or who make the professional cut will make it to the final 36 holes.
The event carries a total purse of Rs 441,000 and the winner will bag a cheque of Rs. 84,000, Runner up will take home Rs. 53,000 and third place will earn Rs. 37,000. Others in the top 21 will also receive their share of cash prizes.