Shubhankar Sharma makes solid start with 5-under 67 at Hero Open

Shubhankar Sharma makes solid start with 5-under 67 at Hero Open

Shubhankar Sharma got off to a flying start with a five-under 67 in the first round to be tied-9th in the Hero Open at St. Andrews.

European Tour regular Shubhankar Sharma started the event with the same momentum he showed in the final round last week at the Wales Open.

The 25-year-old Indian golfer made six birdies against one bogey to claim a place inside the top-10 after the end of day one game.

Calum Hill posted a blistering 9-under to grab the first-round lead at the European Tour's prize money event.

Five Indians are playing in this event including, Shubhankar; the others are the young guns Ajeetesh Sandhu and Gaganjeet Bhullar, and the veterans SSP Chawrasia and Shiv Kapur.

Shiv Kapur was the best of the four after a respectable even-par round in his second start on the European Tour this season.

While the other three had a poor opening round at St.Andrews and are currently standing outside the top 100.

Jonathan Caldwell of Ireland grabbed the seat behind the leader with 8-under 64.

Ross Fisher of England, Robin Sciot Siegrist of France, and America's Hanna Chase secured joint third place after a strong 7-under.