Little-known South Korean Han Min-kyu shot a course-record 62 to snatch the lead on the opening day of the Australian PGA yesterday.
Han, who was rated by bookmakers at odds of 1,000-1 to win the tournament, fired 11 birdies and two bogeys in a stunning first round of nine-under par at the Hyatt Regency resort course in Queensland state.
“I feel like I’m almost in heaven. I feel like Tiger Woods today. Maybe it’s my body but his brain,” the 26-year-old told reporters.
“Putting was the best part of my game today, so perhaps I can shoot eight-under on Friday. It’s a very good course, quite short but not easy, as there are many bunkers,” Han said.
Han, one of more than a dozen South Koreans in the tournament, which is part of the fledgling OneAsia tour, finished four strokes clear of local Ryan Haller, who was outright second on 66.
Stuart Appleby was among a group of five Australians on 67 while last week’s Australian Open winner Adam Scott was a further shot back.
Holder Geoff Ogilvy shot a 70, as did Robert Allenby on his return home from South Africa, while the US’ John Daly carded a 71.
Taiwan’s Chan Shih-ching shot 68 to share fourth place with five other players.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY STAFF WRITER
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