Impressive Gulati seizes lead in Tommy Fleetwood Pathway Series at Yas Links
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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