Larrazabal jolted into action, Grillo leads at Indian Open

Gurgaon (AFP): Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal had a “wild” start to the Indian Open when his alarm failed, but the near-disaster inspired him to within two shots of the lead in the opening round Thursday. 

Clubhouse leader Emiliano Grillo said he played “almost perfect golf” to card seven-under 65 in Gurgaon before play was suspended for bad light, preventing 24 players from completing their round. 

Larrazabal made an impression with five-under to be tied second with Paul Peterson of the US and Italy’s Matteo Manassero. 

The Spaniard had a scary start to the day when he woke up just 38 minutes before his tee-time after his new phone reverted to the time back in Europe. A timely wake-up call from a European Tour official, “a 10-second shower” and a mad car dash got Larrazabal to the DLF Golf and Country Club just before his 7:00 am start time. “I think the courtesy car made a world record from the hotel to the golf course in a couple of minutes, a ride that can take 10 or 15 minutes, it was really wild,” said Larrazabal. 

“Shooting under par on this golf course, it’s unbelievable,” added the 34-year-old. 

Home favourite and young golfing sensation Shubhankar Sharma had an ordinary start after shooting one-over at a course considered among the toughest on the Asian and European tour. 

“I didn’t start the event the way I would’ve liked to. Nonetheless, I’m happy with my comeback on the front-nine and the way I finished the round,” said Sharma. 

But the 21-year-old Sharma had reason to smile after receiving an invite from Rory McIlroy to play a practice round with the legend at the Masters next month. 

Other noted Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri and Jyoti Randhawa carded even-par 72 to be tied 37th while defending champion SSP Chawrasia had a forgettable day at two-over.