Rookie Joonas Granberg of Finland battled through jet lag to set a new course record of 10-under-par 62 in the first round of the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters in Malaysia yesterday.
The little-known 24-year-old holed out from the fairway for a spectacular eagle on his opening hole, the par-four 10th, to spark a magnificent round that included nine birdies and a bogey at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.
His career-best effort, the lowest 18-hole score on the Asian Tour this season, saw him open up a three-shot lead from South African Tjaart van der Walt, who returned a bogey-free 65.
Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang was tied with a pack of eight at seventh with a four-under-par 68. Two other Taiwanese, Chang Tse-peng and Chan Shih-chang were further afield after 72s.
American Berry Henson, winner of the ICTSI Philippine Open, started strongly with a 66, while India’s Jyoti Randhawa, Asia’s No. 1 in 2002, South Korea’s Mo Joong-kyung and rising Thai star Pariya Junhasavasdikul fired 67s.
Granberg, who improved the previous course mark by one shot, was surprised with his stunning start, especially because he had slept for only three hours the night before because of jet lag.
“My feeling this morning wasn’t like this ... This is really nice, an amazing feeling,” he said.
“Yesterday, I didn’t have any energy at all. I was very tired. Today at the range the feeling with the game was good. I’m not tired now, but maybe tonight I will be very tired,” he said.
The Finn knows his quest for a maiden Asian Tour title is far from over.
“This is my first time leading. I’m going to take it easy. It’s only the first round. I have to play very good in the next three rounds,” Granberg said.
Van der Walt, who is trying to rebuild his career in Asia after wrist and elbow injuries curtailed his career on the USPGA Tour, sank seven birdies late in the day to lead the chasing pack.
Earlier in the week, Filipino Angelo Que enjoyed the thrill of a hole-in-one twice in nine holes as he prepared to defend his title at the Selangor Masters.
The 32-year-old was blown away with his double-ace day, but was wary about using up all his luck before the Asian Tour event even began at the 1.2 million ringgit (US$400,000) event hosted by the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start,” said Que, who bagged the hole-in-ones at the sixth and 14th holes of a practice round. “I’ve never had a hole-in-one in my life and all of a sudden, I have two in one day.”
Que carded a two-under-par 70 yesterday.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
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