Om Prakash Chouhan Leads Coal India Open

Om Prakash Chouhan fired an eight-under 62 to take the opening-round lead at the second edition of the Rs 1 crore Coal India Open at Tollygunge Club in Kolkata.

The 40-year-old golfer from Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, had an eventful round featuring a hole-in-one on the par-three eighth and an eagle on the par-five 13th.

He also made six birdies and two bogeys to establish a one-shot lead.

Former Asian Tour winner Ajeetesh Sandhu of Chandigarh returned a seven-under 63 to occupy second place.

Starting from the 10th tee, Sandhu made eight birdies and a lone bogey, which came on the par-four first, his 10th hole of the day.

Delhi's Shaurya Bhattacharya and Pune's Kshitij Naveed Kaul shared third place after carding matching six-under 64s.

Bangladeshi duo Jamal Hossain and Badal Hossain, Greater Noida's Arjun Sharma, and 16-year-old Kartik Singh of Gurugram were tied for fifth following rounds of five-under 65.

Chouhan's familiarity with Tollygunge Club played an important role in his strong start.

He said the conditions at Tollygunge Club suit his game, and he enjoys playing this course.

Chouhan also highlighted his eagle on the 13th, where he found the fairway with a three-wood before using his preferred rescue club for his approach and converting the putt from around 15 to 20 feet.

Sandhu credited his putting and the progress made since last week's J&K Open for his opening 63.

He said he had a very good day on the greens and built on the encouraging signs from last week during the Pro-Am and practice round this week.

The change from Srinagar's altitude to Kolkata's humid conditions required Sandhu to adjust his yardages, but he said he adjusted well and accurately assessed how far the ball was travelling in the contrasting conditions.

The Coal India Open is a significant event in the golfing calendar, with a prize purse of Rs 1 crore.

The tournament has attracted some of the best golfers in the country, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

For Chouhan and Sandhu, a strong performance in this tournament could be a major boost to their careers.

Chouhan is currently ranked high in the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, and a win here could cement his position.

Sandhu, on the other hand, is looking to build on his recent form and make a push for the top spot.

The tournament is being held at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata, which is known for its challenging course and scenic beauty.

The club has hosted several major golfing events in the past, and the Coal India Open is expected to be a major success.

In conclusion, the Coal India Open is off to a great start, with Om Prakash Chouhan taking the lead after the first round.

The tournament promises to be an exciting one, with some of the best golfers in the country competing for the top prize.