India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar posted a sparkling four-under-par 67 in the opening round of the Panasonic Open yesterday to share the lead with South Korean S.K. Ho and Japan’s Shintaro Kai and Kazuhiko Hosokawa.
The 21-year-old Indian, who was the only player to enjoy a bogey-free round, produced four birdies at the challenging par-71 Rokko Kokusai Golf Club’s East course to earn a chance of winning a third Asian Tour victory. Ho and Hosokawa, both with eight career victories in Japan and playing on invites this week, also got off to strong starts in the ¥150 million (US$1.7 million) event co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour and the Asian Tour. Title holder Daisuke Maruyama and Australia’s Marcus Fraser were among the chasing pack with 68s on a day of tough scoring.
Japan’s No. 1 Ryo Ishikawa, who attracted a large gallery, battled to a 69, while current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Noh Seung-yul of South Korea returned a 70 in the tournament reduced to 54-holes after Thursday’s cancelation because of bad weather.
Bhullar’s card included a brilliant run of three birdies on the trot from his third hole of the day (holes 12 to 14).
“It was quite a satisfying round because the layout is pretty tough, especially the rough. I stroked the ball really well and kept everything on the fairway. I just played sensibly and consistent golf,” Bhullar said. “With 54 holes, it changes things a bit.”
Ho reproduced some of his old form and stormed home with three birdies on his back nine.
“My play has been bad the last two years [with only two top 10s]. I’ve not been practicing so much as I’ve been busy at home. I’ve got two kids and I’m busy being a father, which is an important job as well,” Ho said.
After two opening bogeys, Fraser, winner of the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea in April, bounced back in style to sign for a 68.
“I didn’t really play all that great to be honest. I just controlled it and plodded my way along. I managed to make some really good putts in the middle of the round,” Fraser said.
Japanese poster boy Ishikawa kept up his bid to win the Panasonic Open with a battling round.
“I was very happy and also I’m very tired. It was very tough conditions today,” the 19-year-old said. “I want to be in the last group on Sunday, so tomorrow I have to keep up my play and don’t leave myself short of the leaders.”
Fellow teen star Noh scrambled to a 70 to keep alive what would be a mouth-watering showdown with Ishikawa. However, the South Korean was far from happy with his erratic driving.
“My shots were terrible. Everything wasn’t good. I don’t know what is going on with my swing. The score is nice and it was due to the short game,” Noh said.
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