Impressive Gulati seizes lead in Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series at Yas Links
Raghav Gulati (Dubai Creek Resort) set the pace on Day One of the Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series Presented by DP World and aligned with the AJGA at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, firing an impressive five-under-par 67 to take the lead.
Gulati, who had a strong showing in the November edition of this event at Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah, started with an eagle on the par-4 first hole.
He followed up with birdies on holes 4, 7, and 8, turning in a blistering 31 shots. His steady back nine, featuring nine pars, helped him finish the day with a card of 67.
Gulati now holds a two-shot lead over Daniel Butteriss (ENG), who shot a solid 69. Despite seven birdies, Butteriss was held back by a double bogey on hole 16.
In the Girls' Division, Mahreen Bhatia (DLF G&CC, India) claimed the lead with a four-under 68, three shots ahead of Ananyaa Sood (The Els Club, Dubai).
James Harris, Assistant Golf Services Manager at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, commented to Khaleej Times: "We have seen some great scoring on Day 1 of our Tommy Fleetwood International Pathway Series event today.
"At the top, we have witnessed some exceptional golf with a true birdie festival. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be another day of competitive golf.'
The Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series is a 54-hole qualifying event for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points and is sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Club.
Second-round tee times for tomorrow (Tuesday) will run from 7:00 am to 8:50 am.
Round One Leading Scores
Boys' Division
R. Gulati (Dubai Creek) 67
D. Butteriss (ENG) 69
S. Astrom (Jumeirah Golf Estates) 72
K. Kim (Korea) 73
Girls' Division
M. Bhatia (DLF G&CC, India) 68
A. Sood (The Els Club, Dubai) 71
A. Matieu (Dubai Hills Golf Club) 75
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