Surya Nepal Central Open: First Round Leaderboard and Highlights

KATHMANDU: Defending champion amateur golfer Rahul Bishwakarma took lead after first round of the Surya Nepal Central Open, first event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2025-26, at par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Monday.

Rahul carded 6-under 66 to take 5-stroke lead over pro Jayram Shrestha, who is at the top among pros with the score of 1-under 71. Another amateur, Sam Doublard is third at even-par 72.

Six players, Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, Sabin Sapkota, Bhuvan Nagarkoti, Dinesh Prajapati, Pradip Kumar Lama and amateur Phuntsok Norbu Lama are tied for fourth at 1-over 73. 

Another five players, Bal Bhadra Rai, Toran Bikram Shahi, Deepak Magar, Tashi Ghale and amateur Kabi Thapa share 10th position at 2-over 74. Tashi Ghale fired a Hole-in-One on Hole No 5 on his way to 3-under 33 on the front nine, before playing 5-over 41 on the back nine.

Leader Rahul carded 3-under 33 on the front nine, after he fired four birdies on the second, third, fifth and seventh holes against a bogey on the eighth hole. He carded a bogey-free 3-under 33 with the help of birdies on the 10th, 12th and 15th holes.

Pro Jayram took the turn at 1-under 35 on the front nine and carded even-par 36 on the back nine. He dropped a shot on the first hole before carding birdies on the seventh, eighth and 11th holes. Jayram then faced a double bogey on the 14th and dropped a shot on the 16th hole. He bounced back with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.

Third-placed Sam played 1-over 37 on the front nine and he carded 1-under 35 on the back nine. He carded birdies on the third and ninth, while he faced a double bogey on the fourth and a bogey on the seventh hole. On the back nine, Sam carded birdies on the 12th and 15 holes before dropping a shot on the 17th hole.

Nepal No 1 pro Niraj Tamang endured a difficult back nine to end the day on 5-over 77, while home club pro Pashupati Sharma withdrew after eight holes due to fever.

A total of 63 players, 37 pros and 26 amateurs, are taking part in the 72-hole tournament. Cut will be applied after 36 holes, and top 18 pros and amateurs will make it to the final two rounds. The event carries a cash purse of 10,50,000. 

Top three pros will receive Rs 170,000, Rs 125,000 and Rs 100,000 respectively. Other pros in top 18 will earn their share of cash prizes.