Kathmandu, Feb 10: Rame Magar and Rabi Khadka shared lead after first round of Surya Nepal Kathmandu Open, the fourth event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2025-26, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.
Rame and Rabi carded 3-under 65 on the first day to share the lead. They are one stroke ahead of Jayram Shrestha, who carded 2-under 66. Sanjay Lama is fourth at 1-under 67, while three pros, Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, Nepal No 1 Niraj Tamang and Dinesh Prajapati are tied for fifth at even-par 68.
Former top pro Bhuvan Nagarkoti is tied for eighth with amateur golfers Rahul Bishwakarma and Mahendra Phagani at 1-over 69.
Co-leader Rame played 1-over 35 on the front nine and he bounced back with a bogey-free 4-under 30 on the back nine. He dropped a shot on the second hole and saved pars on eight others before the turn. On the back nine, he carded four birdies on the 10th, 11th, 13th and 18th holes.
Another co-leader Rabi took the turn at 2-under 32 after birdies on the first and ninth holes. He then carded a birdie on the 10th and saved pars on eight remaining holes to produce a bogey-free card.
Third-placed Jayram played even-par 34 on front nine. He carded three birdies on the fourth, eighth and ninth holes but faced bogeys on the third, fifth and sixth holes. After the turn, he carded 2-under 32. He dropped a shot on the 10th holes before carding birdies on the 12th, 13th and 15th holes.
In amateur section, Rahul Bishwakarma and Mahendra Phagani are tied for lead at 1-over 69. Rahul carded even-par 34 on the back nine after taking the turn at 1-over 35, while Mahendra took the turn at an impressive 4-under 30 before playing 5-over 39 on the back nine. Two amateurs, Saroj Thapa and Phuntsok Norbu Lama are tied for third at 2-over 70.
A total of 55 players, 34 pros and 21 amateurs, are taking part in the tournament which will be played over 72 holes. Cut will be applied after 36 holes, with top 18 pros and advancing to the final 36 holes.
The event carries a total prize purse of Rs. 875,000. The winner will take home Rs 150,000, while the runner-up will earn Rs 105,000, and third place will receive Rs 85,000. Fourth and fifth places will be awarded Rs 71,000 and Rs 63,000, respectively. The remaining top 18 finishers will also share in the prize money. #nepal
