Monday, November 4

Rabi finishes top on Day I

By a Staff Reporter

Kathmandu – Pro Rabi Khadka took a one-stroke lead over Dinesh Prajapati on the first day of the Surya Nepal Challenge, the sixth event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2022-23, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.

Rabi carded five-under 63 on his home course and is one stroke ahead of Dinesh Prajapati, who carded a bogey-free four-under 68. Bhuvan Nagarkoti and Deepak Magar are joint third at two-under 66. Bhuwan Kumar Rokka and amateurs Subash Tamang and Suresh Tamang share the fifth position at one-under 68. Rame Mager is eighth with a score of even-par 68. Pros Dhana Bahadur Thapa, Shiva Ram Poudel, and amateurs Sadbhav Acharya and Yubraj Bhujel are tied for a ninth position at one-over 69.

Leader Rabi played three-under 31 on the front nine and carded two-under 32 on the back nine. He made a flying start with a birdie on the first hole and sank an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole before taking the turn. On the back nine, Rabi carded three birdies on the 10th, 17th, and 18th holes and faced the lone bogey of the day on the 16th hole.

Dinesh carded two-under 32 on both halves. He carded birdies on the fourth and fifth holes on the front nine. Dinesh then carded birdies on the 10th and 13th holes on the back nine.

Bhuvan carded one under 33 on both halves. After facing a bogey on the third hole, Bhuvan carded birdies on the fourth and eighth holes. After taking the turn, Bhuvan carded birdies on the 10th and 13th holes but he faced a bogey on the 17th hole. Deepak played one under 31 on both halves. His bogey-free front nine included a birdie on the second hole. Deepak then carded birdies on the 12th and 13th holes and dropped a shot on the 15th hole.

A total of 37 golfers – 29 pros and eight amateurs – are taking part in the tournament organized by Professional Golfers Association Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Cut will be applied after the second round. The top 21 pros and ties (if any) will make the cut along with six amateurs and those who make the professional cut.

The event carries a cash purse of Rs 545,000. The top three pros will receive Rs 100,000, Rs 65,000, and Rs 46,000 respectively. Other pros in the top 21 will earn their share of cash prizes.

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