Kathmandu, March 26

Dr Bhagwan Koirala won the first edition title of the Surya Nepal Goakarna Monthly Medal here at te Gokarna Golf Club today.

The 17-handicap amateur golfer, Koirala scored six-under 66 to win the nett section trophy. Rekha Ghimire came second with the score of four-under 68, while Biraj Pun Burja was third on count back after he was tied with Joseph Nathan on two-under 70. Burja scored 33 nett on back nine, while Nathan had 39.

SSP Rajendra Shrestha won the gross section trophy with the score of eight-over 80 after he beat Andrew Murray on count back. Shrestha scored 39 on the second half, while Murray scored 41. Devasri Rana claimed the junior category title with the score of six-over 78 nett. In all, 52 golfers took part in the tournament sponsored by Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Gokarna Golf Club Captain Joseph Nathan handed over the prizes to the winners of the event played under stroke play full handicap format.

After the first edition of the tournament, Koirala leads the nett section table with 200 points, while Ghimire is second with 130, followed by Purja (90), Nathan (70) and Maj Gen Daman Bahadur Ghale (60). SSP Shrestha accumulated 50 points to lead the gross category standing, while Murray is second with 30. Dr Koirala (20), Phintso Ongdi Lama (15) and Babu Sherpa (10) are the other golfers in top five. Likewise, Devasri Rana is on top of junior category with 50 points, while Tenzin Lama (30) and Tenzin Sherap (20) are second and third.

A total of 10 Monthly Medal rounds will be played until December and top 40 in nett section and 10 each in gross and junior categories will advance to the finals, which will be played over two rounds in January and February next year.