Shubhankar Sharma delivered a composed and clinical performance to take control of the inaugural Boulders Classic, carding a second successive six-under 66 to open up a two-shot lead after two rounds at the Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old, returning to domestic competition after a prolonged absence, moved to 12-under 132 (66-66), setting the pace in a tightly contested field at the Rs 1 crore event. It marks Sharma’s first appearance on the DP World PGTI circuit since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021, and his performance so far reflects both rhythm and control.
A Measured Return to the Domestic Circuit
Sharma’s return to the Indian circuit has been marked by efficiency rather than flair. Across two rounds, he has avoided unnecessary risks, relied on precise approach play, and capitalised on scoring opportunities when presented.
In the second round, Sharma produced seven birdies against a single bogey, highlighting both his consistency and ability to recover quickly from minor setbacks. His round gained further momentum towards the closing stretch, where he birdied the final two holes to consolidate his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The absence of big errors has been central to his performance. Unlike many players who oscillated between aggressive scoring and costly mistakes, Sharma maintained a steady pace across all 18 holes, ensuring that he remained in control of his round throughout.
While Sharma set the benchmark, Divyanshu Bajaj emerged as the closest challenger with an impressive second-round surge. The 36-year-old from Kolkata carded a flawless seven-under 65, climbing from tied 14th to solo second at 10-under 134. Bajaj’s round stood out for its precision and discipline. He remained error-free, avoiding bogeys entirely while steadily accumulating birdies. Such a round not only improved his position on the leaderboard but also injected momentum into his campaign heading into the weekend.
With just two shots separating him from the lead, Bajaj remains firmly in contention, especially given the scoring conditions at Boulder Hills that reward consistent ball-striking.
Vishesh Sharma Slips After Leading Start
Overnight leader Vishesh Sharma was unable to maintain his early advantage, slipping to third place after a second-round two-under 70. His total of nine-under 135 keeps him within striking distance, but the drop in momentum has tightened the race at the top. Vishesh had set the tone with an opening-round 65 but struggled to replicate that level of scoring consistency in round two. While he avoided a major collapse, the inability to convert key opportunities meant he ceded ground to both Shubhankar and Bajaj.
Heading into the final two rounds, Vishesh will need to rediscover his attacking rhythm to re-enter the title conversation. The standout round of the day came from Honey Baisoya, who produced a stunning eight-under 64 to break the course record and vault himself into contention. Starting the day tied 42nd, Baisoya’s remarkable effort saw him climb 38 places into a share of fourth at eight-under 136.
Baisoya’s round was characterised by aggressive shot-making and clinical putting. Every aspect of his game clicked, allowing him to register one of the lowest rounds of the tournament so far. His surge has significantly reshaped the leaderboard, adding depth to the competition heading into the weekend.
Joining Baisoya in tied fourth are Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) and Anshul Kabthiyal (67), both of whom delivered steady rounds to remain within four shots of the lead.
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Further down the leaderboard, pre-tournament favourite Yuvraj Sandhu showed signs of recovery after a slow start. Following an opening-round 73, he bounced back with a four-under 68 to move to three-under 141, placing him tied 27th. While still some distance from the leaders, Sandhu’s improved second round keeps him within range of a strong finish if he can maintain momentum over the final two days.
The cut was set at even-par 144, with 53 players progressing from a field of 131. The relatively tight cutline reflects the competitive nature of the event, where consistency has been key to survival. The Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club has presented a balanced test over the first two rounds. While scoring has generally been low, the course has penalised errant shots, particularly on approach and around the greens.
Players who have combined accuracy with controlled aggression have thrived, as evidenced by the leaderboard. The presence of multiple low rounds, including Baisoya’s record-breaking 64, indicates that scoring opportunities are available, but only for those who execute consistently.
As the tournament moves into its final two rounds, the focus will be on whether Shubhankar Sharma can maintain his composure and convert his lead into a title. His experience on the international circuit and familiarity with pressure situations give him a clear advantage. However, the chasing pack remains strong. Bajaj’s form, Vishesh’s early-round capability, and Baisoya’s explosive scoring potential ensure that the contest is far from settled.
With multiple players within striking distance and the course continuing to reward precision, the Boulders Classic is poised for a competitive finish. For Sharma, the challenge will be to sustain his consistency; for the rest, it will be about capitalising on any opportunity to close the gap. At the halfway stage, the tournament has already delivered high-quality golf. The final two rounds now promise a test of nerve, execution, and endurance as the inaugural title hangs in the balance.
