Can Yuvraj Sandhu Maintain His Lead at Digboi Masters with a Classy 65?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yuvraj Sandhu leads the first round with a seven-under 65.
- He is two shots ahead of a competitive field.
- The event showcases the talent in Indian golf.
- Five players are tied for second place with scores of 67.
- Dulal Kalowar is the highest-ranked local golfer.
Digboi, Nov 18 (NationPress) PGTI ranking leader Yuvraj Sandhu made a stunning comeback to one of his favorite venues, the Digboi Golf Links, by scoring an impressive seven-under 65, which places him two shots ahead after the first round of the Rs 1 crore Digboi Masters 2025.
Yuvraj, a two-time champion of the IndianOil Servo Masters (2021 & 2022), achieved this by combining eight birdies with a single bogey during his opening round of 67 at the location where he secured his inaugural PGTI title back in 2021.
A total of five golfers are tied in the second position with scores of 67. This group includes former champion Veer Ahlawat (2019), twenty-year-old Anshul Kabthiyal, Shivendra Singh Sisodia, Yuvraj Singh, and Bangladeshi Md Somrat Sikdar.
Yuvraj Sandhu recorded four birdies on the back nine, showcasing his exceptional chip-putt skills. The gusty winds on the first hole contributed to his only bogey of the day. Nevertheless, Sandhu, who successfully hit 17 greens in regulation on the first day, regained momentum by scoring four birdies thereafter, including a tap-in on the second hole, where his remarkable tee shot countered the challenging pin position.
Yuvraj expressed, “I’m thrilled to be back in Digboi as I cherish the memories associated with this place. My golf journey began in the North-East, so I am accustomed to the local conditions, particularly the grass we are playing on. I have also experienced similar grass in Taiwan during the Asian Tour. My ball striking was phenomenal today. I couldn’t have wished for a better start, and now my aim is to build on this strong foundation.”
Shivendra Singh Sisodia also shot a 67, which included two eagles on the ninth and eleventh holes, one from a 15-feet putt and the other from a chip-in.
Anshul Kabthiyal completed his round without a bogey, achieving an eagle along with three birdies for his 67.
Veer Ahlawat also recorded a 67, featuring seven birdies and two bogeys.
Dulal Kalowar from Digboi was the highest-ranked local professional, finishing with a score of 72 to tie for 24th place.