Diksha Dagar led the Indian challenge with a bogey-free 4-under 67 to sit tied eighth after the opening round of the Australian WPGA Championship at Sanctuary Cove.
The two-time LET winner is four shots behind leader Kelsey Macdonald, who set a course record with a 7-under 64. Diksha’s clean round featured four birdies and no dropped shots, giving her a strong start in the final event of the Australian swing.
Hitaashee Bakshi also made a solid start, carding a 2-under 69 to sit tied 23rd. Despite a double bogey in her round, she recovered well with multiple birdies, including two late gains to finish under par.
Pranavi Urs (72) and Vani Kapoor (73) had tougher starts and are placed tied 68th and tied 81st respectively.
At the top, Macdonald produced a standout round, bouncing back from an opening bogey to fire seven-under, including an eagle on the 18th. She leads by one shot over Australia’s Hannah Green and England’s Charlotte Heath.
Green arrives in strong form following her recent win at the Women’s Australian Open and her LPGA victory in Singapore, and remains firmly in contention early in the week.
With a bogey-free card and early position inside the top 10, Diksha has given herself a strong platform heading into the second round.
Photo – LET
