Mukesh Kumar
Chennai, October 11, 2016: Seasoned campaigner Mukesh
Kumar of Mhow, stormed into the first round lead at the inaugural Express
Exclusive presents Chennai Open Golf Championship, courtesy a phenomenal
nine-under-61.
Mukesh brought all his experience into play to negotiate the
tough course conditions at the Madras Gymkhana Club (MGC) Golf Course in Guindy
to open up a handy four-shot lead on the first day.
Gurgaon-based Deepinder Singh Kullar was a distant second at
five-under-65. He returned a bogey-free card.
Bengalurean Udayan Mane, one of the pre-tournament
favourites, was in tied third at 67 along with Aman Raj, Sachin Baisoya, Gaurav
Pratap Singh, Abhinav Lohan, Honey Baisoya and Feroze Singh Garewal.
The 51-year-old Mukesh Kumar, who has won five events at the
MGC course in the past including the last two events held at the venue in 2008
and 2009, returned to his happy hunting ground with a bang.
The winner of over 100 titles on the Indian domestic circuit
posted an astounding 11 birdies against just two bogeys on day one. Mukesh’s
round featured a chip-in birdie on the eighth and he also almost holed it from
100 yards on the 10th where his ball lipped-out but still produced a
birdie.
Mukesh’s ominous form with the irons led to him landing the
ball within five feet on as many as nine occasions.
“I was rewarded for my accurate hitting and consistent
putting today. It was windy out there in the morning but my experience of
playing here for so many years helped me shoot this incredible score. I have
some great memories of this course and know how to manage the conditions here,”
said Mukesh.
He added, “My hunger to win pushes me to compete with all
the youngsters even today. I’m still quite accurate with the irons and my
putting skills haven’t deserted me yet, so I feel I can go on for a few more
years.
“The key this week would be to stay away from the rough and
tackle the wind especially in the mornings,” Mukesh said.
Bengaluru’s C Muniyappa, another pre-tournament favourite,
was tied 10th at two-under-68.
C Arul was the highest-placed professional from Chennai as
he shot an opening round of even-par-70 to be tied 26th.
Rd 1 Leading Scores:
61: Mukesh Kumar
65: Deepinder Singh Kullar
67: Udayan Mane, Aman Raj, Feroz Singh Garewal, Honey
Baisoya, Sachin Baisoya, Gaurav Pratap Singh, Abhinav Lohan
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