Aussie Scott Hend had visions of a very early Indian takeaway after dropping four shots in two holes mid-round on day one of the Hero Indian Open in New Delhi.

Last week’s Maybank Championship winner bogeyed his eight and then posted a triple-bogey at his ninth to slump to two-over but superbly regrouped to pick-up five inward nine birdies in a round of 69.

The Florida-based Queenslander, who began his round from the 10^th, capped his round with three closing birdies to be trail just two shots behind the leading duo of Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and American Julian Suri.

Gallacher produced his lowest score all season and highlighted when the 2014 victorious Ryder Cup star holed a 12-foot eagle putt at his last hole.

Scott Hend in action on day one of the Hero Indian Open. (Photo – European Tour/Gettys)

Suri had birdied the same three holes at Hend, namely seven, eight and nine, and then moved to join the Scot with a birdie on the 18^th at the stunning DLF club.

Hend had birdied the 10^th and 13^th holes on the scorecard but after bogeying 17^th or the eighth hole of his round, he made a total hash of the 18^th sending two balls into the drink before getting back in the victory takeaway queue.

“After my 17th and 18th hole we thought we would be flying tomorrow night,” he said.

“I three putted the 17th and hit two balls into the water hazard on hole 18 which was a bit of a nightmare.

“To come back after that was great, and I think so far this year this was the best round that I have played.

“I just told myself to get over those holes and concentrate on what I was doing. It’s just one of those golf courses where if you hit a bad shot, you start getting defensive. And I just had to remind myself to not be defensive and keep playing how I have been playing. That’s the hardest part about it, you have to be strong mentally.

“There wasn’t wind out there’s so I could still hit my three-wood and driver off the tees. I was quite fortunate with the conditions out there today.

“I drove it on the green on hole nine and has a good two putt for birdie, which were both really tough putts, so to have ended with three birdies after a bad front nine was a good way to give the round some sort of respectfulness.”

Fellow Aussies Daniel Nisbett and Wade Ormbsy are just shot further back with rounds of 70 while Marcus Fraser, who had began so well last week in KL, signed for a 71.