New Delhi

Vidhatri Urs kicked off her quest for a hat-trick of wins on the Women’s Pro Golf Tour with a strong start, shooting a 5-under 67 in the first round of Leg 11 at Delhi Golf Club. Having claimed victory in the ninth and tenth legs in July, Vidhatri proved her form remains sharp despite a six-week break.

She held a three-shot lead over Hitaashee Bakshi, who carded a 70. Tvesa Malik Sandhu, the only player to score an eagle that day, finished with a 1-under 71, marking the third under-par score of the day.

With 46 players in the field, the strength of women’s golf was evident at the challenging course, with four players shooting par or better and three others finishing just one-over. This sets a promising stage for Indian players as they prepare for the upcoming Women’s Indian Open.

Shweta Mansingh, despite a double bogey on the 18th, shot an even-par 72, showing readiness to compete. Sneha Singh, Seher Atwal, and amateur Keya Badagu each carded 1-over 73 to tie for fifth. Other notable performances included Anvvi Dahhiya and Amandeep Drall with 74s, tied for eighth.

Vidhatri’s round included birdies on the 1st, 8th, 12th, 14th, 16th, and 17th, though a bogey on the 18th slightly marred her otherwise excellent performance. Hitaashee made four birdies but also had two bogeys. Tvesa, looking ahead to the Indian Open, had an eventful round with an eagle, two birdies, and two bogeys.

Several players, including amateurs Kashika Misra, Kriti Chowhan, Oviya Reddi, and Agrima Manral, scored 75, tying for tenth. Mannat Brar, Ridhima Dilawari, and Neha Tripathi shot 77 to tie for 22nd, while amateur Zara Anand posted a 78.