Melbourne: The Indian duo of Anirban Lahiri and Gaganjeet Bhullar had a disastrous start in the first round of the World Cup of Golf here on Thursday.
Lahiri seemed to get a better idea of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club as he shot one-over 72, but Bhullar disappointed with a 11-over 82.
As a result of that, the Indians were tied right at the bottom of the table in 25th place with New Zealand.
American Kevin Streelman bogeyed two of his last three holes to fall and had to share a one-stroke lead with Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn.
Streelman, a late choice to represent defending champions USA, had torn up the back nine with five birdies in six holes but dropped shots on the tricky 16th and 18th to card a 66 and join Bjorn on five-under.
The pair finished a stroke ahead of Welshman Stuart Manley, South Korea’s KJ Choi and Scotland’s Martin Laird. Sixty players are competing for individual honours while 26 two-player teams are competing for the team prize.
Having given themselves every chance of winning the individual trophy, Streelman and Bjorn also put their respective nations in the box seat for team honours.
The USA are level with Denmark on 71. (PTI)