Kolkata, 07-12-2023
Local lad Divyanshu Bajaj and Abhinav Lohan clubhouse leaders on rain-hit opening day of SSP Chawrasia Invitational 2023 presented by TAKE Sports
Kolkata’s Divyanshu Bajaj and Abhinav Lohan of the DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram, were the joint clubhouse leaders on the rain-hit opening day of the INR 1 crore SSP Chawrasia Invitational 2023 presented by TAKE Sports being played at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club (RCGC).
Divyanshu and Abhinav shot scores of even-par 72 in testing conditions as it rained for most part of the day with varying intensity.
There were two stoppages in play of a total duration of 90 minutes on day one due to the rain. As a result, round one could not be completed on Thursday. Out of a total field of 126, only 66 players playing in the first session could complete their first round on Thursday when play was suspended at 4:45 pm local time due to fading light. The remaining 60 players will resume round one on Friday at 6:30 am. Round two will commence after the completion of round one.
Divyanshu Bajaj, playing at his home course, scored three birdies and an equal number of bogeys while Abhinav Lohan made three birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey. The thick rough this year adds to the challenge of playing at the RCGC.
Defending champion Manu Gandas fired a 75 while tournament host SSP Chawrasia returned a 78.
Among those out on the course with unfinished rounds, Syed Saqib Ahmed of Bengaluru was the best-placed being two-under through nine holes thanks to three birdies and a bogey.
TATA Steel PGTI Ranking leader Om Prakash Chouhan was one-under through nine holes while Kartik Sharma and American Varun Chopra were both one-under through six holes.
Rahil Gangjee, who grew up playing at the RCGC, was even-par through nine holes.
Rashid Khan was three-over through nine holes.
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
