Vishesh Sharma announced himself in style with a course-record 7-under 65 to lead the opening round of the Boulders Classic.
The 19-year-old Hyderabad golfer, playing at home, mixed an eagle, six birdies and a lone bogey to take a one-shot lead at Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club.
Shubhankar Sharma and Vinay Kumar Yadav are tied for second at 6-under 66.
Vishesh, who turned professional last year, made the most of his local knowledge. His round turned on the par-5 14th, where a hybrid to 10 feet set up an eagle that sparked his charge.
“The eagle on the 14th really gave me momentum,” he said. “I kept myself in play early and then took advantage of the chances.”
Comfortable in familiar conditions, he added: “It’s great to be playing at home. Knowing the course definitely helps.”
Shubhankar, making his first start on the domestic tour in over four years, also impressed. His 66 featured an eagle on the seventh along with six birdies.
“The course is in great shape and will get tougher as the week goes on,” he said. “I had a good stretch in the middle, including the eagle, and finished well.”
Vinay matched that score with a bogey-free round to stay firmly in contention.
Among the other contenders, Yuvraj Sandhu opened with a 73 to sit further down the leaderboard.
With scoring low on day one, the stage is set for a tightly contested week at the inaugural event.
Photo – PGTI / Vishesh Sharma
