Vani Kapoor

Vani Kapoor leads with a 67 at Hero Women’s Indian Open

ByNews Desk

India’s Vani Kapoor made a dream start at the Hero Women’s Indian Open 2025, shooting a superb five-under 67 at her home course — DLF Golf & Country Club — to take a one-shot lead after the opening round. The Delhi golfer, playing her 13th consecutive appearance at India’s National Open, has never missed a cut in the event, but this marks her best-ever start.

Vani’s round included six birdies and just one bogey, highlighted by a brilliant run of three straight birdies from the 11th to 13th holes. Her composure down the stretch stood out as she signed off with confidence. Her previous best finish was T-6 in 2017, but this time, she has set her sights higher.

“It’s always special to start well at home,” said Vani. “The key here is to keep the ball in play and hole putts. DLF was my friend today — I hope it continues to be. I just want to stay calm and take it one shot at a time.”

Seventeen-year-old amateur Zara Anand produced one of the day’s most remarkable performances, joining Singapore’s Shannon Tan and Germany’s Verena Gimmy in a tie for second at four-under 68. After being three-over through eight holes, Zara staged a stunning recovery with seven birdies in her last 10 holes, including six on the front nine.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve had,” said Zara, who heads to college golf in the U.S. next year. “After a rough start, I found my rhythm — the putts started dropping and I just rode the momentum.”

Tan, the 2024 runner-up, and Gimmy both looked strong but dropped late bogeys to fall one behind the leader. England’s Alice Hewson sits fifth at three-under 69, noting that “the course remains challenging — the rough is thick, and precision is everything.”

It was also a good day for Indian golfers overall, with four players inside the top 10. Alongside Vani and Zara, Durga Nittur and Hitaashee Bakshi carded two-under 70s to tie for sixth.

Meanwhile, the country’s top-ranked LET player Diksha Dagar struggled to a six-over 78, leaving her in danger of missing the cut. Gaurika Bishnoi, with husband and world No. 29 Aaron Rai on the bag, shot a 77 to sit T-69.

As the week unfolds, Vani’s local knowledge and composure will be tested by an elite international field — but for now, India’s home favourite leads the charge.

Photo – LET

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