Kathmandu: Defending champion and amateur golfer Rahul Bishwakarma surged to a commanding five-shot lead after the opening round of the Surya Nepal Central Open, the first event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2025–26, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Monday.

Rahul carded an impressive 6-under 66, finishing five strokes clear of professional Jayram Shrestha, who led the pro section with a 1-under 71. Fellow amateur Sam Doublard stood third at even-par 72.

Six players—Bhuwan Kumar Rokka, Sabin Sapkota, Bhuvan Nagarkoti, Dinesh Prajapati, Pradip Kumar Lama and amateur Phuntsok Norbu Lama—were tied for fourth at 1-over 73.

Five golfers—Bal Bhadra Rai, Toran Bikram Shahi, Deepak Magar, Tashi Ghale and amateur Kabi Thapa—shared 10th position at 2-over 74.

Tashi Ghale produced the highlight of the day with a hole-in-one on the fifth hole. He went on to card a 3-under 33 on the front nine before slipping to a 5-over 41 on the back nine.

Leader Rahul fired a 3-under 33 on the front nine, collecting birdies on the second, third, fifth and seventh holes against a lone bogey on the eighth. He followed it up with a bogey-free 3-under 33 on the back nine, birdieing the 10th, 12th and 15th holes.

Pro Jayram turned at 1-under 35 and posted an even-par 36 on the back nine. Third-placed Sam played 1-over 37 on the front nine before recovering with a 1-under 35 on the back nine.

Nepal’s No. 1 professional Niraj Tamang endured a tough back nine to finish the day at 5-over 77, while home-club pro Pashupati Sharma withdrew after eight holes due to fever.

A total of 63 players—37 professionals and 26 amateurs—are competing in the 72-hole tournament. The cut will be applied after 36 holes, with the top 18 pros and amateurs advancing to the final two rounds.

The event carries a total cash purse of Rs 10,50,000, with the top three professionals earning Rs 170,000, Rs 125,000 and Rs 100,000 respectively. The remaining professionals in the top 18 will also receive prize money.