Chowrasia, the current DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit leader, arrived in Varanasi on the back of consecutive victories at the Alpha Sports Academy Golf Championship hosted by Patna Golf Club in March and the Vijay Kumar Memorial in Lucknow last week. The Kolkata golfer mixed seven birdies with two bogeys and a double bogey on the par-4 10th to join the lead at three-under 67.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on his round, Chowrasia said, \u201cIt feels good to be in a share of the lead. I started well, but the double bogey on the 10th checked my momentum a little. After that, I stayed patient, focused on my game plan, and managed to recover well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Playing in the afternoon wave, Chowrasia had to contend with hot and humid conditions. \u201cIt was much hotter and more humid than last week in Lucknow, so staying hydrated and managing my energy were important. Every course demands something different, and here the key is to keep the ball in play off the tee,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mukeem Ali, who started from the par-4 fifth hole in the shotgun format, also posted a three-under 67 to grab a share of the lead. The Mathura golfer carded five birdies against two bogeys, with a decisive run of three consecutive birdies from the 16th through the 18th helping him climb to the top of the leaderboard.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Talking about his round, Mukeem said, \u201cI putted really well today, and that made a big difference. My overall game was solid, and it's always nice when the putter starts working for you.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dipankar Kaushal, whose home course is Noida Golf Course, started from the par-3 eighth and produced a round featuring an eagle on the par-5 18th, four birdies, one bogey, and a double-bogey on the par-4 12th.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite these blemishes, Dipankar was pleased with his ball-striking. \u201cI hit the ball really well and found 17 greens in regulation. The double-bogey was disappointing, but I recovered with an eagle and kept giving myself chances throughout the day. Overall, it was a solid round,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was also impressed by the host venue. \u201cI was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the course. It's in excellent shape, especially considering the weather. My approach for the rest of the week will be simple \u2014 keep hitting fairways and greens and take advantage of the opportunities,\u201d Dipankar added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Delhi\u2019s Pawan Verma and Gurugram\u2019s Nikhil Sharma shared fourth place at two-under 68. Kolkata\u2019s Pratim Kumar and Souvik Nayak, along with local favourite Hemant Yadav of Varanasi, were a further shot back in tied sixth at one-under 69.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scoring proved challenging for much of the field, with only 11 of the 72 players managing rounds of even-par 70 or better on the opening day. Imamul Haq, the other Varanasi-based professional in the field, shot a 73 to be tied 26th <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The winner of this year\u2019s NexGen Order of Merit will earn an exemption on the main tour (DP World PGTI) for the 2027 season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Scoring proved challenging for much of the field, with only 11 of the 72 players managing rounds of even-par 70 or better on the opening day. Imamul Haq, the other Varanasi-based professional in the field, shot a 73 to be tied 26th <\/p>\r\n\r\n
The NexGen also aims to take professional golf to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, thus expanding the reach of the sport within the country. <\/p>\r\n\r\n