The Hero Women’s Indian Open got off to an exciting start at the challenging DLF Golf and Country Club, with Czech golfer Sara Kouskova taking the lead after a stellar first round. Kouskova, known for her consistent play, delivered a 3-under 69 despite a triple bogey on the challenging course. Her performance stood out as only seven out of 114 players managed to go under par on the day.
Kouskova’s round was highlighted by a phenomenal eagle on the 15th hole, where she sank a shot from 85 yards. “The first nine was wild. Hit a good shot on 15th. It is really enjoyable but tough,” Kouskova remarked, emphasizing the demanding nature of the course.
Closely trailing Kouskova were Mireia Prat of Spain, Perrine Delacour of France, and Florentina Parker of England, all finishing with a score of 2-under 70. Prat acknowledged the difficulty of the course, stating, “Finishing under par here is always a good round. Missed a few short birdie chances, but you have to be patient.”
The Order of Merit leader, Chiara Tamburlini of Switzerland, who has secured three titles this season, faced a tougher day, carding a 2-over par 74. She was joined by India’s top players, Ridhima Dilawari and Pranavi Urs, who also finished at 2-over par.
Diksha Dagar, who had been in the spotlight after winning the Hero Shot skill event and the Pro-Am, struggled in the first round, finishing at 6-over 78. Tvesa Malik followed closely behind with a score of 7-over. Zara Anand and Vani Kapoor were among the top-performing Indian players, finishing at 3-over 75.
With such a strong field of 27 Indian players competing, the Hero Women’s Indian Open promises to be a thrilling event. The first round has certainly set the stage for an exciting competition, with players eager to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. The next few rounds are sure to be filled with drama and excitement as the players battle it out for the coveted title.