Aman Raj from Patna emerged as the surprise leader when he shot a 2-under par 70 under testing conditions to take the opening round's honour in the Delhi NCR Cup which teed off at the Delhi Golf Club here today.
The strong wind took its toll as Aman's was the lone under-par card. L Selvadurai was second at level par 72.
Veteran Simarjeet Singh also shared the limelight as he made a hole-in-one on hole number 17. Using a 7-iron on the 171-yard, Simarjeet hit to about 15 feet from the pin before the ball rolled in the cup.
Aman Raj, after a steady start to his round, made an eagle on the par-5 seventh but lost a stroke on the every next hole and took the turn at 1-under.
On the back nine, Aman made an eagle on the 11th while making a birdie on the 12th and soon lost the advantage with successive bogeys on the next two holes. A birdie-bogey finish on the 15th and 16th respectively, Aman signed in a card of 70 to walk home as the leader.
"It was pretty difficult conditions with the winds and I think it is a good score in such conditions. I hope to consolidate my lead and look for my maiden victory on the IGU circuit," said Aman.
