Vishesh Sharma Leads Boulders Classic with Record Round
Vishesh Sharma Takes Early Lead
Nineteen-year-old Vishesh Sharma from Hyderabad shot an impressive seven-under 65, securing a one-shot advantage in the first round of the inaugural Rs 1 crore Boulders Classic at the Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club. His score not only led the tournament but also established a new course record, featuring an eagle on the par-5 14th hole, six birdies, and a single bogey.
Strong Competition from Shubhankar Sharma and Vinay Kumar Yadav
Two-time DP World Tour champion Shubhankar Sharma finished the round with a six-under 66, placing him in a tie for second with Delhi's Vinay Kumar Yadav. This marked Shubhankar's return to the tour after his last appearance at the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021.
Vishesh Sharma Attributes Success to Home Advantage
Vishesh, who turned professional last year and ranked 21st on the PGTI Order of Merit in 2025, utilized his knowledge of the course to deliver an outstanding performance. He stated, "I kept myself in play early on and focused on getting into good positions. The eagle on the 14th really gave me momentum. I hit a hybrid to about 10 feet there and made the putt, which helped me push on." He capitalized on this momentum, converting several opportunities from within 10 to 15 feet. "I was able to take advantage of the opportunities I created and convert some good putts," he added.
Confidence from Familiarity
Playing in his hometown, Sharma expressed confidence in the familiar surroundings. "It's great to be playing in Hyderabad and staying at home for this event. Being familiar with the conditions definitely helps," he remarked.
Challenging Conditions Ahead
Shubhankar's round featured an eagle on the par-5 seventh, alongside six birdies and two bogeys. He noted, "The course is in great shape and will only get tougher as the week goes on, especially with the wind and pin positions. I had a good stretch in the middle of the round where I picked up shots, including the eagle, and that made the difference. I finished well, and that always gives you confidence going into the next round."
Vinay Kumar Yadav's Impressive Performance
Vinay Kumar Yadav, aged 30, also recorded a flawless six-under 66, tying him with Shubhankar. He recently celebrated a playoff victory at the DP World PGTI NexGen event at Golden Greens Golf and Country Club in Gurugram last month.
Yuvraj Sandhu's Struggles
Yuvraj Sandhu, a pre-tournament favorite, struggled on the first day, finishing with a score of 73, placing him tied for 55th.