Ahmedabad, 18-01-2018
Kunal Bhasin emerges second round leader at Final Qualifying Stage
Eighty-four players make the halfway cut
Australia’s Kunal Bhasin emerged the second round leader at the PGTI’s Final Qualifying Stage for the 2018 season being held at the Kensville Golf & Country Club near Ahmedabad.
The Mumbai-based Bhasin followed up his opening round three-over-75 with the second day’s best score of five-under-67 to total two-under-142. The three-time winner on the PGTI led the field by one stroke.
Kunal, a 10th tee starter on Thursday, was two-under through the back-nine thanks to three birdies and a bogey. The 38-year-old, who has also held an Asian Tour card in the past, then produced an immaculate approach shot from 175 yards on the par-4 third that found the hole and earned him an eagle. Subsequently, Bhasin picked up another stroke on the fifth to end the day on top of the pack.
Bhasin said, “The last few seasons haven’t been great for me as I’ve been working on some changes in my swing. However, I’ve made a good start to the Final Stage of the Q School and that hopefully sets the tone for the rest of the year. The eagle-two on the third was a special one as I holed out from 175 yards. Today’s solid round despite the tough scoring conditions gives me the momentum going forward.”
Chennai-based amateur Shivnaren Srinivasan (72-71) was placed second at one-under-143.
Third place was shared between two of the first round joint leaders, Lucknow’s Rajesh Kumar Rawat and Jalandhar’s Gunvir Rana, as well as Kolkata-based amateur Sunit Chowrasia, at even-par-144.
The halfway cut fell at 11-over-155. The top eighty-four players made the cut.
At the end of round four on Saturday, the top 36 players will earn full cards for the 2018 PGTI season.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
