One of the toughest courses I have played in India

I have played in India and the Hero Indian Open for long. In fact for almost 20 years or maybe more. But this would be one of the toughest courses that I have encountered. I have always enjoyed a good challenge and I love tough courses, but this would be just another level.

So in such a scenario, being even par midway through the round is quite fine and hopefully I can continue like this for the rest of the round when it resumes Friday morning.

The course is demanding in that it requires your attention for every shot that you attempt and not just that, but even then next one. For each shot has to be planned. So, it is a thinking player’s course and penalties can be severe as we saw with big numbers on many cards.

There was a stoppage that meant most of us in the afternoon session have to come early again on Friday and then play the second round, so it could be a long day.

Matteo Manassero, who was such a major hit when he arrived on the scene a few years ago as a teenager, is back in the news. His four-under in the morning is a terrific score and he could well be in the mix when he get to the weekend.

David Horsey, who came on in the afternoon with S.S.P. Chawrasia and Scott Hend, is five-under with three to play.

Chawrasia and Hend are also one-under each and it may well be a rare group with all three in red numbers.

For Chawrasia it is indeed great as he is defending the title and a good start will give him the right boost.

A lot of golf is still to be played and I hope we will get in full 72 holes, as someone mentioned about weather stoppage even on Friday. Well, that’s something we golfers have loved to live with and we will deal with it when it comes.