Surya Nepal Kathmandu open begins, Bhuvan Nagarkoti takes lead

KATHMANDU: Bhuvan Nagarkoti carded even-par 68 to take one-stroke lead over three golfers on the first day of the Surya Nepal Kathmandu Open, seventh event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2023-24, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.

Former Nepal No 1 pro Bhuvan is one shot ahead of Rabi Khadka, Bhuwan Kumar Rokka and Niraj Tamang after they played 1-over 69.

Five pros, Purna Prasad Sharma, Dhana Bahadur Thapa, Jayram Shrestha, Sanjay Lama and Dinesh Prajapati are tied for fifth at 2-over 70. Pashupati Sharma is 10th at 3-over 71.

Tashi Tsering and Sadbhav Acharya are tied for lead in amateur section after they played 4-over 72 in the opening round. The two amateur golfers share the overall 11th position with Subash Tamang, who made the Surya Nepal Golf Tour debut as a professional golfer.

Leader Bhuvan played 2-over 36 on the back nine and carded 2-under 32 on the back nine. He started the day with a birdie on the first hole but faced three bogeys on the second, third and ninth holes before taking the turn. Bhuvan carded two straight birdies on the 10th and 11th holes and added another on the 17th hole. He faced a lone bogey of the back nine on 15th hole.

Another former top pro Rabi took the turn at 4-over 38 after he faced bogeys on the second, third, seventh and ninth holes. He bounced back strongly on the back nine carding 3-under 31 with the help of birdies on the 12th, 13th and 17th holes.

Bhuwan Rokka played 1-over 35 on the front nine. He faced bogeys on the first and third holes and suffered a double bogey on the seventh hole against three birdies on the second, fourth and fifth holes. Bhuwan saved pars on all nine holes of the back nine.

Dharan pro Niraj carded 1-under 33 on the front nine and played 2-over 36 on the back nine. He carded a birdie on the second hole and sank an eagle on the fourth hole. He dropped shots on the third and ninth. After taking the turn, he faced a double bogey on the 11th and dropped a shot on the 13th hole before carding a birdie on the 16th hole.

A total of 41 players – 32 pros and nine amateurs – are taking part in the tournament. Cut will be applied after 36 holes. 21 top scoring professionals with ties (if any) and amateurs who make the pro cut will make it to the final 36 holes.

The event carries a total purse of Rs 703,500 and the winner will bag a cheque of Rs. 120,000, Runner up will take home Rs. 82,000 and third place will earn Rs. 66,000. Fourth place will earn Rs 55,000 and fifth place will take home Rs 43,000. Others in the top 21will also receive their share of cash prizes.