Robert Allenby of Australia shot an eight-under 63 yesterday to take a one-stroke lead over Jhonattan Vegas of Venezuela after the first round of the Asia Pacific Classic, the second-year event sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Asian Tour.
Allenby birdied four of the first six holes and three of the last four in his bogey-free round at The Mines Resort and Golf Club. Vegas birdied the final four holes.
Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobson opened with a 65, and Americans Bo Van Pelt, Cameron Tringale and Jimmy Walker were another stroke back. Defending champion Ben Crane shot a 69.
Allenby, who was interrupted by a monkey while practicing at the 10th hole on Wednesday, said he was satisfied with his first round.
“I got away with a nice par on the 18th. I made lots of nice putts and hit the ball really well all day,” he said. “I had just one wayward tee shot at the last, but I made a good par to save at the last.”
“Overall, I’m happy with my golf. I’ve been playing well for a while, but haven’t really put the scores on the board,” Allenby said.
Vegas birdied the par-four fifth hole, but dropped a shot on the next hole before birding the fifth, eighth, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes.
“I had a really good round and hit the ball well. I felt like I hit a lot of good putts as well. Hopefully, I can keep the momentum going for the next three days,” he said.
Taiwan’s Chan Yih-shin shot a one-over-par 72.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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