Korea’s Baek Seuk-hyun set a new course record of six-under-par 66 to open up a one-shot lead after the opening round of the inaugural US$300,000 Handa Faldo Cambodian Classic yesterday.
The talented 21-year-old produced matching halves of 33s in the Asian Tour event at the Angkor Golf Resort, while Ireland’s Niall Turner overcame a double- bogey to card a fine 67.
Thailand’s 16-year-old newcomer Rattanon Wannasrichan showed he was a rising star with a bogey-free 68.
He was joined by countrymen Chawalit Plaphol and Atthaphon Prathummanee, the Philippines’ Elmer Salvador, Australian Paul Donahoo, South Korea’s Kim Hyung-sung and the US’ Berry Henson.
After finishing 51st on the Order of Merit last season, the burly Baek, who is seeking his first Asian Tour victory, overhauled his golf swing after ending last year ranked a lowly 92nd, with 54 percent of fairways hit.
“It was quite windy and I was just playing fairways and greens, fairways and greens. Suddenly, my putting was good and my irons just went to the pins. I missed some putts, but I’m happy with my score,” Baek said.
Taiwan’s Hsu Mong-nan carded an even-par 72, while Lu Wen-ten shot a two-over 74. The other Taiwanese players were way down the leaderboard.
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