A bogey-free 65 and a masterclass in precision set the tone at the IGU Telangana Amateur Golf Championship.
The sun was relentless over the Hyderabad Golf Club (HGC) this Tuesday, but while the temperatures soared, Chandigarh’s Krish Chawla remained remarkably cool. In a sport where a single mistake can derail a round, the 17-year-old delivered something rare: a flawless, bogey-free five-under 65 to seize the opening-day lead at the IGU Telangana Amateur Golf Championship.
The Stats of a Specialist
Chawla’s round wasn’t just about the score; it was about the clinical execution. Playing in his first full season on the amateur circuit, the teenager put on a ball-striking clinic that left spectators and competitors alike in awe.
The standout statistic? 18 for 18. Chawla hit every single green in regulation (GIR), giving himself a birdie look on every hole. In fact, his 65 could have easily been a record-shattering 61 if not for four agonizing “lip-outs” that refused to drop.
The Highlights
- The Power Game: On the daunting 230-yard par-3 4th, Chawla stuck a 5-iron to within four feet.
- The Clutch Putter: He signaled his intentions early by draining a 20-foot birdie putt on the 3rd.
- Precision Under Pressure: Into a stiff wind on the 12th, he “nailed the pin” with a 9-iron approach to set up another birdie.
The Leaderboard at a Glance
Chawla holds a narrow one-shot cushion, but the chasing pack is formidable. Ranveer Mitroo (Delhi) looked like he might run away with the lead after four birdies in his first nine holes, but a dropped shot on the 4th slowed his momentum.
| Player | Score | Origin |
| Krish Chawla | 65 (-5) | Chandigarh |
| Shashank Sachin | 66 (-4) | Maharashtra |
| Ranveer Mitroo | 66 (-4) | Delhi |
| Gulfam Hussain | 66 (-4) | Haryana |
| Shamit Dakhane | 67 (-3) | Maharashtra |
Mixed Fortunes for Recent Winners
Golf is a humbling game. Vinamra Anand, who took home the trophy at the season opener, remains in the hunt with a solid 68 (-2). However, last week’s champion, Ribhav Verma, found the Hyderabad course a tougher nut to crack, ending the day tied for 16th at one-over 71.
What to Watch for in Round 2
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Chawla to see if he can maintain his “immaculate” approach play. With the trio of Sachin, Mitroo, and Hussain just one stroke behind, the pressure at the Hyderabad Golf Club is only going to rise—much like the April heat.
Will the teenager’s maiden amateur tour win happen here in the City of Pearls? If he keeps hitting 18 greens a round, it’s going to be very hard to stop him.
