Gaurav, Jamal top leaderboard in challenging conditions

In a gripping display of skill and resilience, Noida-based golfer Gaurav Pratap Singh and Bangladesh’s Jamal Hossain emerged as joint leaders on the opening day of the Tamil Nadu Open 2025, both carding three-under-par 69s at the Coimbatore Golf Club.

The tournament, part of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) calendar, is being held from September 30 to October 3 at the picturesque Coimbatore Golf Club, nestled among the Nilgiri mountains. The course is renowned for its challenging conditions, influenced by strong westerly winds from the Western Ghats. These conditions have historically tested the mettle of golfers, making it one of the most demanding venues on the PGTI circuit.

Delhi's Arjun Prasad, currently second on the PGTI Order of Merit, posted a two-under-par 70 to sit in third place. Manu Gandas of Gurugram, rookie Joysurjo Dey of Kolkata, and Ahmedabad's Anshul Patel are tied for fourth with scores of 71.

Gaurav Pratap Singh, ranked 31st on the PGTI Order of Merit, began his round with a bogey on the first hole but rallied with five birdies over the next 14 holes, aided by precise chip-putts. Despite another bogey on the 17th, he managed to finish with the day's joint-best score. Reflecting on his performance, Gaurav emphasized the importance of sticking to his game plan and maintaining consistency throughout the season.

Jamal Hossain also started with a bogey on the 10th but quickly regained momentum, recording birdies on the 15th and second holes before chipping in for an eagle-two on the Par-4 sixth. Jamal, who clinched his fifth PGTI title at the Telangana Golconda Masters earlier this month, expressed confidence in his game but acknowledged the need to improve his putting to stay competitive in the tournament.

The Tamil Nadu Open 2025 boasts a prize purse of INR 1 crore and features a field of 126 professionals, including top Indian golfers like Manu Gandas, Karan Pratap Singh, and defending champion Mukesh Kumar. International players such as Sri Lankans N. Thangaraja and K. Prabagaran, Bangladeshis Jamal Hossain and Badal Hossain, Italy's Federico Zucchetti, Nepal’s Subash Tamang, and American Koichiro Sato are also vying for the title.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the leaders to see if they can maintain their form and navigate the challenging conditions to secure the coveted title.