Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs enter top 10 at Women’s NSW Open as Avani Prashanth sits at 25th

Indian golfers Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs have maintained a strong presence at the Ford Women’s NSW Open, breaking into the top 10 as the tournament heads into the final round. While Diksha continued her consistent run, staying in the top 10 for the third consecutive day, Pranavi made a significant leap after an impressive third-round performance. Meanwhile, rookie Avani Prashanth, who has shown promise on both the Women’s Professional Golf Tour (WPGT) and the Ladies European Tour (LET) Access, currently sits in 25th place.

How Has Diksha Dagar Maintained Consistency?

Diksha Dagar, a two-time LET winner, has showcased steady form throughout the tournament. Adding a 2-under 69 to her earlier rounds of 67 and 68, she currently stands at 9-under after 54 holes, tying for eighth place despite challenging windy conditions. Her third round featured three birdies on the 10th, 11th, and 13th holes, with her only dropped shot coming on the seventh.

Having secured a runner-up finish at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco earlier this season, Diksha has continued to establish herself as one of India‘s most promising golfers on the international stage. Her ability to maintain composure under difficult conditions has been a defining feature of her performance in Wollongong.

How Did Pranavi Urs Climb Into the Top 10?

Pranavi Urs delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the day, posting a stunning 5-under 66 in the third round. This score, added to her earlier rounds of 71 and 68, propelled her into a tie for 10th place. Her round was characterized by a streak of five consecutive birdies from the 10th to the 14th hole, demonstrating her ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Pranavi, who played alongside fellow Indian Avani Prashanth, avoided any bogeys and displayed an aggressive yet controlled approach. Her consistent improvement over the three rounds suggests she could make a strong push in the final round.

Where Does Avani Prashanth Stand?

Avani Prashanth, playing in only her third event on the LET Access circuit, continues to gain valuable experience. She carded a 1-under 70 in the third round, bringing her overall score to 2-under and placing her in a tie for 25th. Avani’s round included an eagle on the par-5 13th hole, a bogey on the ninth, and another dropped shot on the 16th before recovering with a birdie on the 18th.

Despite her relatively modest placement, Avani’s performance has been commendable. Having already won professional titles on the WPGT, she is making a gradual transition to the international stage, and her ability to consistently make the cut bodes well for her future prospects.

Who Are the Top Contenders for the Title?

English rookie Mimi Rhodes heads into the final round as the tournament leader after delivering a bogey-free 68, bringing her total to 15-under. Italian golfer Alessandra Fanali sits just one stroke behind at 14-under after posting a remarkable 64 in the third round.

The competition remains fierce, with Australia’s Kirsten Rudgeley and Spain’s Nuria Iturrioz tied for third at 12-under. Notably, Rhodes and Fanali managed to complete their third rounds without any bogeys, highlighting their precision and ability to navigate Wollongong’s windy conditions.

Sara Kouskova, who had been in contention, faced challenges in the third round, carding a 72 to fall back to a tie for fifth at 11-under. The final round is expected to be a tightly contested battle among the top contenders.

What Lies Ahead in the Final Round?

With the tournament heading into its decisive final round, the focus will be on whether Diksha and Pranavi can improve their standings and push for a top-five finish. Diksha’s experience and steady play could work in her favour, while Pranavi’s ability to go low in scoring might make her a serious challenger.

The performance of young golfers like Avani Prashanth also remains a point of interest, as she continues to gain exposure to international competition. For the leading contenders, the pressure will be on Mimi Rhodes to secure her first LET victory while fending off challenges from seasoned competitors.

As the final round unfolds, all eyes will be on Wollongong to see if Indian golfers can make a late charge and whether Rhodes can hold onto her lead.