Joint Winners of Pre-Qualifying I on PGTI. Pics: PGTI
Ahmedabad, January 8: Bengaluru amateur, Akshay Neranjan, who was in the Indian squad at the Asia-Pacific Amateurs last November, took an important step towards a professional career as he shared the top spot in the Pre-Qualifying Stage 1 of the TATA Steel PGTI Qualifying School 2022 Presented by Gujarat Tourism at the Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club in Ahmedabad.
A semi-finalist at the All India Amateurs in 2021, Neranjan, who is still an amateur, carded 70-72 to share the honours with Gurugram-based professional Manav Bais (74-68) for a two-under 142.
The top 26 players from the total field of 101 in Pre Qualifying I, qualified for the Final Qualifying Stage as the cut was declared at nine-over 153 on an extremely windy day.
The 20-year-old Bais, who turned pro in 2019, lying overnight tied 12th, made a remarkable comeback after his opening round of 74 and an early double-bogey on the third hole in round two. Being four-over for the event after three holes on Saturday, Manav fought his way to the top of the leader board thereafter with a chip-in eagle on the 14th and four birdies to register a 68, the lowest round of the event.
Bais, said, “I’m very pleased with my performance as I played competitive golf after a long time. I struggled with my short game in round one but made a massive improvement in it in round two.”
Neranjan, another 20-year-old, who was the joint first round leader, had a mixed day on Saturday. He holed his approach from 100 yards for an eagle-two on the 13th and sank some long putts in his five birdies but also dropped three bogeys and two double-bogeys having found the water hazard on two occasions. Yet he managed to keep his nose ahead and was tied for the honours.
Chandigarh-based amateur Bishmadpal Singh Seerha (70-74), the overnight joint leader, shot a 74 in round two to finish third at even-par 144.
The remaining two Pre Qualifying events and the Final Qualifying Stage, earlier scheduled to be held from January 10 – 20, have now been postponed as a result of the rising cases of Covid-19 throughout the country. The dates for these events will be announced in due course of time.
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Bishmadpal Singh Seerha and Akshay Neranjen share lead after Round of PGTI Pre Qualifying I
