NEW DELHI, Oct 16: The Indian duo of Rahil Gangjee and Dhruv Sheoran made impressive starts on day one of the USD 4 million DP World India Championship 2025 being played at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC).
Even as former Open champion Shane Lowry of Ireland shot a sizzling eight-under 64 to take the first-round lead and former Indian Open winner Keita Nakajima of Japan struck a 65 to be in second place, the Indian flag flew high thanks to the efforts of Rahil Gangjee (67) and Dhruv Sheoran (68) who ended round one in tied fourth and tied seventh positions respectively.
Yuvraj Sandhu (69) was the next-best Indian in tied 17th place. Anirban Lahiri and Abhinav Lohan shot scores of 70 to be tied 28th. Shubhankar Sharma’s score of 74 placed him tied 99th.
The tournament’s biggest names including Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Luke Donald as well as American Brian Harman, a former Open champion, were all placed tied seventh at scores of 68. Pre-tournament favourite, world no. 2 and reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland ended day one in tied 17th with a score of 69.
The seasoned Rahil Gangjee led the charge for the Indians with a five-under 67 that featured four birdies, two bogeys and a closing hole eagle on the 18th where he sank a 55-footer from the back edge of the green. The 47-year-old Gangjee, a winner on the Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour, credited a change in approach to his top-notch performance.
Dhruv Sheoran, who has the rare distinction of winning in his first two professional appearances on the PGTI back in 2018, mixed an eagle and four birdies with two bogeys during his first round of 68. The 30-year-old Sheoran’s eagle on the first came as a result of an exceptional chip-in from the bunker.Dhruv, currently ranked 19th in the 2025 PGTI Order of Merit with five top-10s this season.
PGTI Order of Merit leader Yuvraj Sandhu, who has been in scintillating form this year with four titles under his belt on the PGTI, came up with five birdies and two bogeys during his 69 on Thursday. (IANS)
