Srinagar, Aug 4: Bengaluru golfer Khalin Joshi produced a superb eight under 63 to grab the opening round lead at the INR 1 crore J&K Open 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old carded nine birdies and just one bogey to finish two shots clear of the field. Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu and Gurugram rookie Harman Sachdeva shared second place after returning identical six under 65s.
Joshi, a former Asian Tour winner, credited his putting and two chip ins for the impressive round. He chipped in on the third and 15th holes and said he was delighted with his performance.
Speaking after the round, Joshi described Royal Springs as one of the most beautiful golf courses and said playing in Srinagar always feels like a holiday. He expressed hope of maintaining his form over the remaining three rounds.
Sandhu recovered from an uncertain start with eight birdies and said a birdie on the fourth hole helped him settle into his round. He also praised the scenic beauty and hospitality of Srinagar.
Eighteen-year-old Harman Sachdeva impressed with the only bogey free round of the day, continuing his promising rookie season.
Gaurav Pratap Singh, Divyanshu Bajaj, Angad Cheema, Rashid Khan and Czech golfer Stepan Danek were tied for fourth at three under 68.
Tournament officials shortened the par four 11th hole and played it as a par three due to waterlogging following heavy rainfall over the past two days.
The J&K Open 2026 carries a prize purse of INR 1 crore and is supported by J&K Tourism. It is being hosted at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar.
