Surya Nepal Eastern Open: Local pro-Niraj takes 4-stroke lead over Dhana
Niraj, while carding a new course record with the help of six birdies, sank an eagle to make a flying start on his home course, and he opened up a 4-stroke lead over Dhana Bahadur Thapa, who carded a 4-under 66.
DHARAN: Local pro-Niraj Tamang carded a bogey-free 8-under 62 in the first round of the Surya Nepal Eastern Open, the third event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2024-25, at the par-70 Dharan Golf Club on Wednesday.
Niraj, while carding a new course record with the help of six birdies, sank an eagle to make a flying start on his home course, and he opened up a 4-stroke lead over Dhana Bahadur Thapa, who carded a 4-under 66.
Bhuwan Kumar Rokka is third after he carded 3-under 67, while Yuvaraj Bhujel, Bishnu Prasad Sharma, and amateur Sunder Rai are tied for fourth at 2-under 68.
Likewise, top pro Bhuvan Nagarkoti, local pro Bal Bhadra Rai, and amateur Jitendra Rai share seventh position at 1-under 69. Ramesh Adhikari, who had a hole-in-one on Hole No. 8, is tied for 10th with Rame Magar, Sunil KC, Rabi Khadka, and amateur Suresh Tamang at 1-over 71.
Leader Niraj carded 4-under 32 on the front nine with the help of birdies on the third, fifth, sixth, and ninth holes. He then sank an eagle on the 12th hole and carded birdies on the 15th and 18th holes to finish the back nine at 4-under 30.
Dhana took the turn at 2-under-34 after he dropped a shot on the second hole and carded birdies on the third, eighth, and ninth holes.
The Army Club pro carded 2-under 32 on the back nine. He faced a bogey on the 13th hole against birdies on the 12th, 16th, and 18th holes.
Bhuwan carded 2-under 34 on the front nine and played 1-under 33 on the back nine. He began the day with a bogey on the first hole before carding birdies on the third, seventh, and ninth holes. After taking the turn, Bhuwan carded birdies on the 15th and 18th holes and faced a bogey on the 17th hole.
A total of 29 professional golfers and 27 amateurs are participating in the prestigious event organized by the PGA Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Cut will be applied after 36 holes, and the top 21 pros and amateurs making the pro cut will advance to the final round. The event carries a cash purse of Rs 882,000.
The champion will take home Rs. 150,000, while the runner-up will receive Rs. 100,000, and the third-place finisher will earn Rs. 75,000. Additionally, the top 21 pros will secure a share of the prize money.
