SportsPosted at: Sep 23 2026 12:27AM


Khalin Joshi’s career-low 61 turns Bengaluru Open into homecoming statement

Bengaluru, Sep 22 (UNI) A week after winning his third title of the season, Bengaluru's Khalin Joshi returned home and produced the lowest round of his professional career, firing a flawless 11-under 61 to seize a commanding four-shot lead in the opening round of the Bengaluru Open here on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Joshi was virtually untouchable at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), combining an eagle on the par-five 11th with nine birdies to complete a bogey-free round and move to the top of the leaderboard in the INR 1 crore event.
The significance of the performance went beyond the four-shot advantage.
Joshi arrived in Bengaluru on the back of victory at last week's Nava Raipur Open, his third DP World PGTI title of the season, and immediately carried that winning rhythm into his home tournament. He began the week seventh in the Race to DP World India Championship and now has an early opportunity to strengthen his position.
"I’m very comfortable playing at my home course, and it is encouraging that the good form has continued from last week. I’m pleased with the way I played and handled myself today," Joshi said.
The home-course advantage was evident from the outset. Joshi admitted he was nervous on the first tee but said an opening drive struck down the centre settled him immediately.
He has known the KGA course since he was four, and that familiarity appeared to translate into an unusually composed performance.
"I've known this course since I was four, so once I got going, I felt comfortable," he said. "My game was solid from tee to green. I hit several approaches close and holed some good putts. More than the score, I'm pleased with how composed I remained."
Local teenager Manoj S emerged as Joshi's closest challenger with a bogey-free seven-under 65, while Delhi's Shaurya Bhattacharya was third at six-under 66.
Bengaluru's Mari Muthu R, Sri Lanka's N Thangaraja, current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar and former Asian Tour winner Himmat Singh Rai shared fourth place at five-under 67.
Talwar, who is set to represent India at the Asian Games in Japan next week, made seven birdies and two bogeys, while Himmat recovered from a bogey and a double bogey with eight birdies.
Joshi's round also carried a personal touch. His girlfriend was on his bag for the first time in a DP World PGTI event, having previously caddied for him on the Asian Development Tour and Asian Tour.
"She keeps the atmosphere light and has a calming influence on me," Joshi said, adding that she helped him read two or three important putts.
The tournament now assumes added importance beyond the leaderboard. The Bengaluru Open is the final event before the top 60 in the 2026 DP World PGTI Order of Merit are confirmed, with those inside the mark retaining their playing rights for the 2026-27 season and avoiding Qualifying School, which begins on October 2.
For Joshi, however, the immediate task is to convert a spectacular opening round into another strong finish.
"It is wonderful to be back, eat home-cooked food and spend time with my family and girlfriend. It feels almost like a holiday, but I know it is only the first round. I'll get some rest and prepare for tomorrow," he said.
UNI BDN
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