Rashid Khan Leads Indorama Ventures Golf Championship with Impressive First Round

Rashid Khan Takes Charge at Indorama Ventures Golf Championship

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), March 12: Rashid Khan delivered an impressive performance, scoring a six-under 66 to secure the lead after the first round of the USD 300,000 (Rs 2.7 crore) Indorama Ventures Golf Championship 2026, held at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens Golf Club.

The Delhi golfer, who has clinched 14 titles including two internationally, showcased his skills with seven birdies and a single bogey on Thursday, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.

American golfer Jhared Hack, who won the season's opening event, followed closely in second place with a five-under 67, which included six birdies and one bogey.

Five players, including Arjun Prasad, Brijesh Kumar, Saptak Talwar, Manav Bais, and Kartik Singh, shared the third position, each finishing with a score of four-under 68.

Rashid Khan's round featured two birdies and a bogey on the back nine, while he excelled on the front nine with five birdies, aiming to break a seven-year title drought.

Commenting on his performance, Rashid stated, “The course is in great condition, unlike last time, and the pin placements were challenging. I managed to hit some good shots and putts, creating opportunities by positioning the ball well. I have no expectations and just aim to give my best moving forward.”

Other notable foreign players included French golfers Clement Sordet and Pierre Pineau, along with Austrian Christoph Bleier, who all finished with three-under 69, tying for eighth place.

Among local professionals, Aditya Raj Kumar Chauhan had the best start, scoring a 70 to tie for 15th place.

Pre-tournament favorites Veer Ahlawat and Yuvraj Sandhu ended the day tied for 22nd and 41st, respectively, with scores of 71 and 73.