Ravi Kumar, Saarthak Chhibber, and Akshay Neranjen set the pace at the Rs 1 crore IGPL Telangana Golconda Masters, shooting impressive seven-under 63s at the Par-70 Hyderabad Golf Association course. On an overcast day with looming rain, the trio showcased precision and control, sharing the lead after the opening round. Bengaluru’s Aryan Roopa Anand and Delhi’s Sachin Baisoya are close on their heels, tied for fourth with six-under 64s. Despite a brief drizzle, play continued uninterrupted, setting the stage for an exciting battle at this prestigious tournament.
Golconda Masters 2024: Ravi Kumar, Saarthak Chhibber, and Akshay Neranjen Lead After Thrilling First Round
The 2024 edition of the IGPL Telangana Golconda Masters began in spectacular fashion, with Ravi Kumar of Chandimandir, Haryana, Delhi’s Saarthak Chhibber, and Bengaluru’s Akshay Neranjen sharing the lead after a brilliant opening round at the Hyderabad Golf Association (HGA) course. The trio shot identical scores of seven-under 63 on Thursday, establishing themselves as the early frontrunners in this prestigious Rs 1 crore tournament.
Their flawless performances on the Par-70 course drew attention from golf enthusiasts across the country, setting a high bar for the following rounds. The action-packed day saw the leading trio battle through challenging conditions to emerge at the top, with several contenders closely following.
Stellar Performances Amidst Testing Conditions
The first round of the Golconda Masters saw a closely contested field of top golfers, with numerous players vying for an early lead in the tournament. Ravi Kumar, Saarthak Chhibber, and Akshay Neranjen all demonstrated remarkable composure and skill to shoot matching scores of seven-under 63, placing them at the top of the leaderboard after day one.
Despite the overcast skies and the constant threat of rain looming over the course, the golfers were able to execute their game plans effectively, making the most of the soft, receptive greens. Although the day witnessed a brief drizzle, it had little impact on the pace of play, and there was no need for stoppages, allowing the tournament to proceed smoothly.
Each of the three leaders brought their own unique style to the game, overcoming the challenges of the tricky course layout and tricky pin positions. Ravi Kumar, representing Chandimandir, Haryana, showcased his powerful drives and accurate approach shots, while Saarthak Chhibber, hailing from Delhi, impressed with his consistency on the greens. Bengaluru’s Akshay Neranjen, a rising star in Indian golf, displayed a deft touch with his short game, converting several key birdie opportunities that put him level with the leaders.
Ravi Kumar: A Powerhouse Performance
Ravi Kumar’s opening round was a masterclass in consistency and power. The golfer from Chandimandir, Haryana, came out of the gates strong, finding the fairways with impressive regularity and positioning himself well for attacking the pins. His powerful drives and accurate irons were complemented by a flawless putting display that saw him sink several crucial birdie putts.
Kumar’s ability to manage the course and avoid trouble was evident throughout the round. He made the most of the par-5s, taking advantage of his length off the tee to set up easy birdies. On the shorter holes, he kept his nerve and made sure to capitalize on his birdie chances. His seven-under 63 was a statement of intent, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level over the course of the tournament.
Saarthak Chhibber: Precision and Consistency
Saarthak Chhibber from Delhi brought his A-game to the opening round, matching Ravi Kumar’s score of seven-under 63 with a clinical display of precision golf. Chhibber is known for his steady approach and ability to avoid mistakes, and Thursday’s round was a testament to his disciplined game plan.
Chhibber’s putting was particularly noteworthy. He consistently found himself in good positions on the greens and converted several mid-range birdie putts. His iron play was sharp, allowing him to control his approach shots and leave himself makeable birdie chances throughout the round. On a course where missing in the wrong spot can lead to difficult recovery situations, Chhibber’s ability to stick to his game plan and play to his strengths paid dividends.
His calm demeanor on the course, combined with a deep understanding of his own game, helped him avoid any major mistakes, making him a strong contender as the tournament progresses.
Akshay Neranjen: Short Game Mastery
Bengaluru’s Akshay Neranjen completed the trio of co-leaders with his own seven-under 63. The 22-year-old golfer displayed a level of poise beyond his years, utilizing his short game to great effect throughout the round. Where other players might have struggled with the slick greens and tricky pin placements, Neranjen thrived, making several clutch putts that kept him in contention.
Neranjen’s game was particularly effective around the greens, where his deft touch and soft hands allowed him to get up and down from difficult spots. His scrambling ability was on full display, as he managed to save par on a few occasions where it seemed a bogey was inevitable. In addition to his short game, Neranjen’s driving was solid, and he gave himself plenty of opportunities to attack the pins with his accurate approach shots.
Despite his relative inexperience compared to some of the seasoned pros in the field, Neranjen’s composed performance in the opening round suggests that he is ready to contend for the title.
Strong Contenders Close Behind
While Kumar, Chhibber, and Neranjen hold the lead after the first round, they are being closely pursued by a number of talented golfers. Bengaluru’s Aryan Roopa Anand and Delhi’s Sachin Baisoya both returned impressive six-under 64s, leaving them just one shot behind the leaders and tied for fourth place.
Anand, a well-known name in Indian golf, brought his trademark aggression to the course, capitalizing on the par-5s and converting several birdie opportunities. His solid round was a reflection of his ability to handle pressure and perform on the big stage. Similarly, Sachin Baisoya’s consistent ball-striking and steady putting saw him remain in the hunt after day one, setting up an exciting battle for the coming rounds.
With such a tightly packed leaderboard, the tournament is still wide open, and the slightest mistake could shift the balance. The second round will be crucial for both the leaders and those chasing them, as the players will look to build on their momentum or make up ground on the leaderboard.
Weather and Course Conditions
The Hyderabad Golf Association course, a Par-70 layout, provided a stern test for the players, with its narrow fairways and undulating greens posing challenges at every turn. However, the players managed to navigate these difficulties effectively, taking advantage of the soft conditions brought on by the recent rains. The receptive greens allowed the players to attack the pins with more confidence, resulting in several low scores across the field.
The weather forecast had predicted rain throughout the day, but fortunately, only a brief drizzle materialized, allowing play to continue uninterrupted. The overcast skies provided cooler conditions, which may have helped the players maintain their focus and energy levels throughout the round.
The Road Ahead
With three rounds still to play, the 2024 Golconda Masters is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Ravi Kumar, Saarthak Chhibber, and Akshay Neranjen will look to build on their strong starts, while the likes of Aryan Roopa Anand and Sachin Baisoya will be eager to close the gap and challenge for the lead.
As the tournament progresses, the players will need to continue their high level of play and adapt to any changing conditions, both on the course and with the weather. With a prize pool of Rs 1 crore at stake, the competition is sure to intensify, and fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement in the coming rounds.
For now, the spotlight remains on the leading trio, but with so many talented golfers in contention, the 2024 Golconda Masters is far from decided. The next few days will reveal who has the skill, mental toughness, and endurance to emerge as the champion.
