Diksha Dagar and Vani Kapoor opened with steady even-par 72s to sit tied 24th after the first round of the Women’s Australian Open at Kooyonga Golf Club.
Their rounds kept them within striking distance of the early leaders as the tournament began in South Australia.
The other Indians faced a tougher opening day. Hitaashee Bakshi and Avani Prashanth both returned 5-over 77s to sit tied 98th, while Pranavi Urs posted a 6-over 78.
Diksha began her round on the 10th tee and had a mixed opening stretch, recording three birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey before settling into a steadier rhythm on the inward nine. Late birdies helped her recover to even par.
Kapoor, playing on a sponsor’s invitation, also started well with early birdies before a difficult closing stretch that included three bogeys. A birdie on the 16th ensured she remained level for the day.
At the top of the leaderboard, Wales’ Darcey Harry fired a 6-under 66 to take the early lead, while Germany’s Alexandra Försterling followed with a 5-under 67. Both players closed strongly, each holing eagle putts on the par-5 ninth, their final hole of the round.
American rookie Anna Morgan sits third at 4-under after producing the best afternoon score in windy conditions.
Six players share fourth place at 3-under: Austria’s Emma Spitz, Australia’s Kelsey Bennett, Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, England’s Annabell Fuller, and France’s Agathe Laisne and Celine Herbin.
With one round complete, Diksha and Kapoor remain India’s best hopes as the field heads into the second day at Kooyonga.
Photo – LET
