Five golfers are tied for the lead at six under par at the close of the first day
The close of the first day of the Hero Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club left five golfers tied for the lead at six under par. Among them was Indian SSP Chawrasia. He has won twice on the European Tour, including at this venue in 2008 in the Indian Masters.
“I played very well and was bogey free,” said Chawrasia. “I made some good putts and was hitting it good off the tees. I’ve played here many times so I know how to play this course. This is my National Open and all the Indian golfers enjoy playing in this event. All my family and friends are here so that’s nice; I’m playing well and I have good memories here.”
He won most recently here four months ago in the Panasonic Open on the Asian Tour. His success on the first day of the Hero Indian Open was made on the greens – he took only 23 puts, two fewer than anyone else.
Lee, who was one of Tipster Tom’s picks at 40/1, enjoyed playing with Chawrasia: “It was great because not many guys have played as well as he has round here. He has won twice here and I learned a lot about managing this course by watching him hit certain shots.”
“I have played here for the last two years so I knew what to expect from this course. Here it’s tight and bouncy.” So tight is it that 24 players did not carry a driver in their bag.
It's the first time the European Tour has co-sanctioned the Indian Open but it's the 51st edition of the event. Thirty-seven Indians teed it up, part of the 27 different nationalities taking part in the tournament.
