Hero Indian Open 2025: Ajeetesh Sandhu Best Indian at Fourth, Three Players Share Lead on Opening Day

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Gurugram, March 27: The opening day of the 2025 Hero Indian Open saw a tightly contested leaderboard, with England's Marcus Armitage, Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts, and Sweden's Marcus Kinhult sharing the lead at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

Armitage, aiming to end a four-year title drought, was on course for a solo lead, but a mistake on the final hole cost him a shot, bringing him level with Colsaerts and Kinhult at the top. None of the three co-leaders have won on the DP World Tour in the last four years, making their strong starts even more compelling.

Ajeetesh Sandhu emerged as the best-performing Indian, carding a 3-under 69 to claim a share of fourth place. Veer Ahlawat, last year's runner-up, followed closely with a 2-under 70, securing a tie for 10th place. Five other Indian golfers, including former champion SSP Chawrasia, finished the day at even-par 72, placing them in a tie for 30th.

Two-time Hero Indian Open winner SSP Chawrasia, playing on a sponsor's invite, had a rollercoaster round. Starting with three bogeys in his first eight holes, he looked in trouble but found his rhythm on the back nine. He produced two crucial back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes, and again on the 17th and 18th, to salvage an even-par 72.

Challenging Course Conditions

The DLF Golf and Country Club once again proved why it is regarded as one of the toughest courses in India. Only 30 players managed to finish under par on the opening day, highlighting the demanding conditions.

Colsaerts and Armitage both made four birdies on the front nine, but their rounds included three bogeys each. Kinhult was the most consistent of the leaders, carding five birdies against a single bogey.

Sandhu, who shot a 69, was satisfied with his round but admitted there was room for improvement. "I wouldn't say anything was great today, but everything was above average. I kept my head on my shoulders and just kept plugging along," he said.

How Players Reacted?

Armitage, reflecting on his round, said, "It's really hot out there, and this course demands precision. I really like it here, and I played some great golf today."

Colsaerts likened the challenge to a mini US Open, stating, "Anyone who shoots under-par here should be extremely happy. The rough is high, and the greens are firm."

Ahlawat, playing on his home course, noted the slight changes in setup from last year, adding, "It's playing firmer, and some pin positions are tough to attack."

Kinhult, pleased with his round, said, "I started well with three birdies in the first four holes. I had some rough patches, but I scrambled well and finished strong."

Day two at DLF is poised for an intriguing contest as this course will test the skill and character of all the players. With tight competition at the top and the course conditions remaining challenging, expect another gripping round of golf as contenders jostle for position heading into the weekend.