Kathmandu: The Surya Nepal Central Open, the opening event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2025–26, teed off on Monday at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club, with defending champion amateur Rahul Bishwakarma seizing an early advantage after an impressive opening round.

Rahul fired a 6-under 66 to establish a five-shot lead over professional Jayram Shrestha, who leads the professional field at 1-under 71. Another amateur, Sam Doublard, sits third with an even-par 72.

A group of six players: Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, Sabin Sapkota, Bhuvan Nagarkoti, Dinesh Prajapati, Pradip Kumar Lama, and amateur Phuntsok Norbu Lama are tied for fourth at 1-over 73. Five more players: Bal Bhadra Rai, Toran Bikram Shahi, Deepak Magar, Tashi Ghale, and amateur Kabi Thapa share 10th place at 2-over 74. Notably, Tashi Ghale recorded a hole-in-one on Hole No. 5, carding 3-under 33 on the front nine before slipping to 5-over 41 on the back.

Rahul’s round featured 3-under 33 on the front nine with four birdies against one bogey, followed by a bogey-free 3-under 33 on the back nine with birdies on the 10th, 12th, and 15th holes.

Jayram Shrestha turned at 1-under 35 and played an even-par back nine. Despite a double bogey on the 14th and a dropped shot on the 16th, he finished strongly with birdies on the 17th and 18th.

Third-placed Sam Doublard recovered well after a shaky front nine, posting 1-over 37 before improving to 1-under 35 on the back nine.

Nepal No. 1 professional Niraj Tamang endured a tough back nine to finish at 5-over 77, while home club pro Pashupati Sharma withdrew after eight holes due to fever.

A total of 63 players: 37 professionals and 26 amateurs are competing in the 72-hole tournament. The cut will be applied after 36 holes, with the top 18 pros and amateurs advancing to the final two rounds.

The event carries a cash purse of NPR 10,50,000, with the top three professionals earning NPR 170,000, NPR 125,000, and NPR 100,000 respectively. Other professionals finishing within the top 18 will also share the prize money.

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