KATHMANDU, July 5: Jayram Shrestha closed the opening day of the Surya Nepal NPGA Tour Championship with two-stroke lead after he carded four-under 68 on Monday at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club.
Jayram holds a two-stroke lead over Rabi Khadka and amateur Tashi Tsering as both of them carded two-under 70.
Bhuwan Nagarkoti, Ramesh Adhikari, Sanjay Lama and amateur Tanka Karki are tied on fourth at one-over 73. Amateur Prithivi Malla carded two-over 74 and remains on the eighth place.
Nepal's top pro Shiva Ram Shrestha had a forgettable day with a card of three-over 75 to finish the opening day in the ninth spot. Ramesh Nagarkoti and amateur Gajendra Gurung are tied on tenth place with four-over 76.
Jayram took the turn at three-under 33 with birdies on second, third and seventh hole. On the back nine, he scored birdies on 10th and 12th holes against sole bogey on the last hole for one-under 35.
Rabi carded one-under 35 on each side. On the first half, he made single birdie on the par-3 fifth hole. And on the second half, he scored birdies on 11th, 12th and 15th against bogeys on 16th and 18th holes.
Amateur Tashi also scored one-under 35 on both sides. On the front nine, he scored birdies on third and fifth holes against bogey on the ninth. On the back nine, he scored birdies on 12th and 17th holes but made bogey on 14th hole.
Altogether 46 players including 31 pros and 15 amateur golfers are taking part in the four-day tournament sponsored by Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Cut will be applied after the second round of the tournament with top 21 professionals and six amateurs making it to the final two rounds.
The final event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2015-16 carries a total purse of Rs 540,750 and the winner will walk home with prize of Rs 100,000 and the runner-up will earn Rs 63,000. Others finishing on top 21 positions will also have share of cash prizes.
Shrestha takes lead on opening round
