Rabi takes lead after first round
By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Former top pro Rabi Khadka took a two-shot lead after the first round of Surya Nepal Challenge, the sixth event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2021-22, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.
Rabi carded six-under 62 to remain two strokes ahead of Deepak Magar and Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, who fired four-under 64 each, according to Nepal Golfers Association.
Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the association said Surya Prasad Sharma and Nepal No 1 pro Bhuwan Nagarkoti shared the fourth position at three-under 65, while Sanjay Lama, Niraj Tamang and Rame Magar were tied for the sixth position with amateur Subash Tamang at two-under 66.
Pashupati Sharma and Bhimsen Chaulagain shared the 10th place at even-par 68. Dinesh Prajapati, Dhana Bahadur Thapa and amateur Mahendra Phagami were tird for 12th at 69, while Binod Tamang, Bipin Tamang, Jayram Shrestha and amateur Gajendra Gurung shared the 15th position at two-over 70.
Leader Rabi Khadka carded four-under 30 on the front nine and played two-under 32 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the first, second, fourth and fifth holes on the bogey-free front nine. He dropped a shot on the 14th hole against birdies on the 10th, 17th and 18th holes after taking the turn.
Veteran pro Deepak Magar carded two-under 32 each on either half. Deepak also carded birdies on the first two holes and added one more on the fifth but he dropped a shot on the fourth hole. After taking the turn, Deepak carded birdies on the 10th, 13th and 14th holes before facing a bogey on the 15th hole.
Bhuwan Kumar Rokka carded three-under 31 on the front nine and shot one-under 33 on the back nine. He carded a birdie on the first hole and dropped a shot on the second. He added birdies on the fourth, seventh and ninth holes before taking the turn. On the back nine, Bhuwan carded four birdies on the 10th, 11th, 13th and 14th holes but he faced three bogeys on the 12th, 16th and 17th holes.
Likewise, Surya Prasad Sharma played even-par 34 on the front nine before carding three-under 31 on the back nine, while top pro Bhuwan carded one-under 33 on the front nine and shot two-under 32 on the latter half.
A total of 60 golfers – 38 pros and 22 amateurs – are taking part in the tournament organised by Professional Golfers Association Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Cut will be applied after the second round. The top 21 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 545,000 and the winner will bag a cheque of Rs 100,000, while the runner-up will take home Rs 65,000 and the third position holder will earn Rs 46,000. Others in the top 21 will also receive their share of cash prizes.
