Chacarra Surges to Clubhouse Lead, Lahiri settles for even-par finish

Birdies, bogeys, and a battle in the dark – Round 1 wrap from International Series India presented by DLF.

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Gurugram, India – Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra staged a remarkable comeback to take the clubhouse lead on the opening day of the International Series India, presented by DLF, firing a four-under-par 68 at the challenging DLF Golf and Country Club.

Chacarra, 24, recovered from a rocky start to produce a blistering back nine, carding a six-under-par 30, highlighted by an eagle on his penultimate hole. His performance put him ahead of Filipino Justin Quiban and Thailand’s Danthai Boonma, who both returned two-under-par 70s.

“It feels good to be back,” said Chacarra, a past winner on the Asian Tour at the 2023 St Andrews Bay Championship. “I was four-over through four, and I feel like I didn’t even miss a shot. Then I hit a good iron that bounced—maybe off a sprinkler head—and suddenly I made a seven without any bad shots. But I still came back.”

Chacarra’s resilience was on full display as he followed up the early setback with three consecutive birdies. After a bogey on the 18th, he found his rhythm on the homeward stretch, adding four more birdies and an eagle to take the lead.

Lahiri Leads Indian Challenge in Tough Conditions: Local favorite Anirban Lahiri battled his way to an even-par finish, ensuring he was the highest-placed Indian, tied for 13th. Lahiri, a member of Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC in the LIV Golf League, completed his round in near darkness after a one-hour fog delay left 42 players unable to finish.

The home crowd provided an electrifying atmosphere, something Lahiri relished.

“I think that was one of the nicest cheers I have ever got on the first tee,” he said. “That was very special. So a big thank you to the crowds that came out. Please continue to come out.”

Lahiri admitted his game was not at its best, particularly his iron play.

“I played pretty terribly. I hit my irons all over the place and didn’t have a half-decent look at birdie till the ninth. I scrambled really well today. Didn’t have my best, but I’m happy with the way I dug my heels in.”

Challenging Conditions Test the Field: With the course playing tough, Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz and Sweden’s Charlie Lindh were among the few to break par, both shooting 71s.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Kazuki Higa was four-under with three holes left when play was suspended due to darkness. Australian Aaron Wilkin stood at three-under with six to play, while U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann were at two-under with two holes remaining.

Among other Indian players, Gaganjeet Bhullar produced a late rally, making three birdies over his final six holes to card a one-over 73.

“It was good to get those (birdies) close to the finish. The course setup was challenging, and there was a lot of headwind at some holes,” Bhullar noted. “I also missed a few fairways.”

Related story: Bryson DeChambeau Set to Make India Debut at International Series India

Ajeetesh Sandhu joined Bhullar at one-over, while Jeev Milkha Singh, playing with an injured finger, stood at level par with six holes left. Other notable Indian scores included Rahil Gangjee (75), SSP Chawrasia (+3 through 16 holes), and Manu Gandas (+3 through 11 holes).

The opening round will conclude Friday morning before round two begins. The event marks the start of the 2025 International Series, a 10-event schedule on the Asian Tour that serves as a pathway to the LIV Golf League.

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