Surya Nepal Golf: Dinesh leads by one stroke over Toran on opening day

KATHMANDU: Dinesh Prajapati carded a flawless 7-under 65 to take one-stroke lead over Toran Bikram Shahi and amateur Suman Pariyar after first round of the Surya Nepal Premier Golf Championship, the eighth and final event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2023-24, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Tuesday.

Toran and Suman carded 6-under 66 to share the second position. Defending champion Subash Tamang, former Nepal No 1 pro Bhuvan Nagarkoti and top amateur golfer Sadbhav Acharya are tied for fourth at 4-under 68.

Amateur Vijay Shrestha Einhaus is seventh at 3-under 69, while another amateur Wangchen Dhondup is eighth at 2-under 70.

Four pros Rabi Khadka, Niraj Tamang, Dhana Bahadur Thapa and Sanjay Lama share the ninth position with amateur Tenzing Palden at 1-under 71.

On a day when 12 golfers broke the par, Jayram Shrestha and Rame Magar are tied for 14th at even-par 72.

Leader Dinesh took the turn at 4-under 32 and carded 3-under 33 on the back nine on his way to playing a bogey free round. He carded a total of seven birdies on the second third, fourth, sixth, 13th, 14th and 17th holes.

Toran played an even-par 36 on the front nine before carding an impressive 6-under 30 on the back nine. He faced a bogey on the second hole and carded a birdie on the third before taking the turn.

On the bogey-free back nine, Toran sank an eagle on the 12th hole and carded four birdies on the 10th, 13th, 15th and 17th holes.

Amateur Suman took the turn at 5-under 31 and carded 1-under 35 on the back nine. He carded four consecutive birdies on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth holes before adding another on the eighth hole. He faced a bogey on the 10th hole and carded two birdies on the 11th and 13th holes.

A total of 37 professional golfers and 11 amateurs are taking part in the tournament for whooping prize money of Rs 1.55 Million. Cut will be applied after 36 goles and top 21 pros and amateurs making the pro cut will make it to the final two rounds.

Winner of the grand finale of the season will be richer by Rs 275,000, runner-up will get Rs 175,000, third-place will earn Rs 122,000, fourth-place will take home Rs 102,000 and fifth-place will pocket Rs 88,000. Others in top 21 will their share of cash prizes.

The tournament will end with the Pro-Am event on Saturday. Around 100 players from corporate sector will rub shoulder with 25 pros in an exciting format which allows corporate level amateur golfers much needed exposure.