India’s Veer Ahlawat returned to competitive golf after nearly six weeks of absence, only to confront a difficult start at the 2025 Turkish Airlines Open. The event, making its much-anticipated return to the DP World Tour, welcomed top contenders to the lush and challenging Regnum Carya Golf Resort in Belek, Turkey. Ahlawat, however, failed to find rhythm or momentum in his first round. He carded a 4-over-par 75 and tied for 133rd place at the end of Thursday’s play.
The seasoned Indian golfer hit just two birdies but gave away six bogeys. His uneven performance mirrored signs of rust and lack of competitive rhythm after a long break from tour events. With compatriot Shubhankar Sharma skipping the tournament, Ahlawat carried the Indian flag alone this week. Unfortunately, he didn’t produce the start he needed.
Ahlawat’s Round in Detail
Ahlawat began his round on the front nine and quickly ran into trouble. He dropped bogeys on the 2nd and 4th holes, struggling with both approach shots and green speed. He briefly steadied his round with a birdie on the 6th hole, but the respite was short-lived.
He followed that birdie with back-to-back bogeys on the 7th and 8th. His drives lacked direction, and he failed to save par on multiple occasions despite decent recovery efforts. On the inward nine, he added another birdie on the 12th, offering a small glimmer of hope. But two more bogeys on the 14th and 17th pushed him further down the leaderboard.
His short game didn’t match the standards he has set in prior events. He missed key putts inside 10 feet and showed visible frustration with his distance control. Although the Regnum Carya course played tough for several players, Ahlawat’s 4-over-par round left him needing a near-perfect second round to make the cut.
Season Recap: Inconsistent but Hopeful
Before arriving in Turkey, Ahlawat played eight events this season on the DP World Tour. He managed to make five cuts, showing glimpses of promise. His best finish came in March at the Hero Indian Open, his home tournament, where he tied for 17th.
At that event, Ahlawat showcased the poise and skill that first brought him onto the international radar. He drove well, hit crisp irons, and drained clutch putts to secure his best result of the year. Many observers believed the performance at the Hero Indian Open might launch a consistent run for the 27-year-old from Delhi. However, since that tournament, his form has wavered.
In his subsequent starts, he failed to string together four strong rounds. He either opened poorly or faltered during moving days. Fatigue, minor injuries, and scheduling gaps contributed to his inconsistent rhythm. By the time the Turkish Airlines Open arrived, he had spent nearly six weeks away from competitive action.
Robin Williams Lights Up Round One
While Ahlawat struggled, South Africa’s Robin Williams dominated the leaderboard. The 23-year-old played one of the most impressive rounds of the day, shooting a bogey-free 65. Teeing off in the final group of the day alongside Germany’s Tiger Christensen and France’s Martin Couvra, Williams calmly dismantled the course.
He struck the ball with confidence, found fairways consistently, and attacked the pins with precision. His putting stood out—he converted mid-range birdie putts and saved crucial pars with minimum fuss. His six birdies came on a variety of holes, showing both his aggression and discipline.
Williams reached 6-under-par, joining Christensen and Couvra at the top of the leaderboard. The trio set the target as the sun began to dip over the Mediterranean landscape. They made the most of the receptive greens and benign afternoon conditions to edge out early pace-setters.
Williams’ form this season has shown steady improvement. He placed inside the top 20 in multiple Challenge Tour events before transitioning to the DP World Tour full-time. His performance in Turkey underlined his arrival as a serious contender in bigger tournaments.
Other Standouts from Round One
Joost Luiten of the Netherlands and Brandon Robinson Thompson of England also made strong starts. Both players shot 5-under-par 66s and currently sit just one shot off the lead. Luiten, a veteran on the tour, relied on his experience and solid ball-striking to move up the ranks early in the day. He avoided mistakes and took advantage of all the par-5s.
Brandon Robinson Thompson continued his impressive rookie season. The Englishman has already recorded a couple of top-10 finishes and looks increasingly comfortable on the DP World Tour. His blend of power and finesse keeps him in contention week after week.
Several other notable players, including Julien Guerrier and Santiago Tarrio, remain within striking distance of the lead. The leaderboard after round one remains tightly packed, and with two more days of regulation play left before the cut, the tournament promises drama and intensity.
The Turkish Airlines Open: A Welcome Return
The Turkish Airlines Open made its return to the DP World Tour calendar after a short hiatus. Held at the scenic Regnum Carya Golf Resort, the tournament brought back memories of past showdowns and showcased one of Europe’s finest courses.
The course layout challenges golfers with strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and undulating greens. Players need both precision and patience to post low scores. While early morning starters battled firmer greens and swirling winds, the afternoon groups, including the leaders, capitalized on softer conditions.
Fans in Turkey showed up in large numbers, cheering for international stars and local talent alike. The tournament carries significant weight in the Race to Dubai standings and provides critical points ahead of the season’s final stretch.
Ahlawat’s Road Ahead
Veer Ahlawat must now regroup and reset before round two. He faces a steep climb if he hopes to make the weekend cut. He will need to shoot at least 3 to 4-under-par in his second round to remain in contention. His recent history shows he possesses the skills, but he must summon confidence and clarity quickly.
He will likely adjust his approach off the tee, simplify his shot selection, and work more closely with his caddie to manage the course better. He cannot afford missed fairways or lapses in putting. His ability to bounce back from adversity has defined several moments in his career. Now, he faces another test.
Conclusion
Round one of the Turkish Airlines Open delivered contrasting stories. Robin Williams soared with a bogey-free 65 and earned a share of the lead alongside two emerging European stars. Veer Ahlawat, returning after six weeks away, endured a tough opening round and faces an uphill battle to stay in the tournament.
As the event moves into its second day, players will look to either build on their momentum or make strong comebacks. The Regnum Carya course demands discipline and courage — two traits that will determine who competes for the title come Sunday.
Ahlawat has stumbled, but the tournament isn’t over yet. He still controls his destiny. Now, it’s up to him to turn things around and fight his way back.
