Aamby Valley: It turned out to be a field day for Delhi Darts as Johan Edfors and Rahil Gangjee`s 1-2 finish gave the team a one-shot lead over UP Eagles on the opening day of the inaugural franchise-based Golf Premier League, here today.
Sweden`s Edfors was at "home" as he carded a fine six-under 49 for the par-55 14-hole round to take a one-shot lead over his Delhi Darts teammate Rahil Gangjee.
Maharashtra 59ers were lying third at eight-under while Tamil Nadu Pullees and Witalsee Punjab Lancers finished the day at tied fourth position.
Edfors turned out to be the star of the day as he went through the 14-hole round with six birdies.
"It was great fun. I had a solid round. It is nice to get into the second round with a good cushion," said Edfors, who is a brand Ambassador for Black Mountain Golf Course in Thailand, which is quite similar to the Aamby Valley course that is hosting the ongoing event.
"I have played in the same group as Rahil twice before on Asian Tour and we were recalling that as we played along. Rahil did well initially and then I had a good back stretch (of seven holes)," he added.
Gangjee, who played on the Web.Com Tour in the US for last two years and will now play on Asian Tour, said,"We gelled well and had great fun. Since we are also leading it is even better. Hopefully we can continue the good work and it will give me a great start for the season."
Gangjee added,"I had five birdies and could have had one or two more. But I will take a five-under in a 14-hole round any day."
Swedish-born Indian, Daniel Chopra shot four-under to be tied third.
"I was trying to break 50 (that is under) and I came close. I am happy with the way it went but most importantly it was fun playing alongside Shamim Khan, Rashid (Khan) and David Howell," Chopra said.
Scott Hend, who shot four-under for Maharashtra 59ers, said,"I struggled a bit initially with a lost ball and then a three-putt. Then my teammate Ashok (Kumar), who has had some experience of this course, helped me read the greens, which I was finding difficult to begin with. Then I ended fine to come back with four-under."
Anirban Lahiri of Shubhkamna UP Eagles had a fine four-under, but felt that he could have been at least three to four better.
"I had a lot of lip-outs and misses. I felt I could have gone really low."
Similar was the reaction from Simon Dyson of Colombo 6?s.
"I missed so many shots out there. I hope I can hole a few more putts tomorrow."
Uttarakhand Lions` Darren Clarke, one of the top attractions and Maharashtra 59ers star, Angel Cabrera, shot three-under each as did Wital See Punjab Lancers` Gaganjeet Bhullar.
Asked about the course, Ganjee said,"They have made a scoring course. It`s always good to see birdies. I was feeding Johan (Edfors) and he was feeding me."
And about the 30 seconds-rule for golfers to execute their shots, Gangjee said,"30 seconds is very close. I am a fast player? I am quick on the ball anyway, so it`s not a problem for me. I don`t think it`s a very strict rule. They wanted it to be a quick game."
PTI
First Published: Friday, February 08, 2013, 23:39