Khon Kaen: Pawin Ingkhapradit fired an eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead in the first round of the five-million-baht Singha SAT Championship yesterday.
The 25-year-old from Suphan Buri shot nine birdies against a lone bogey at Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
He was one shot ahead of Chapchai Nirat and Thanyakorn Khrongpha in the ninth and final leg of the ThaiPGA Tour 2016.
Bidding for his second professional title, Pawin said that although he normally plays well at this course, it was a bit surprising to have such a great round because he is changing his swing.
"I have been working on my swing because my performance hasn't been great since the beginning of the year," he said.
"Together with the strong winds in the afternoon, I am a bit surprised that I shot such a low score."
Pawin, whose maiden professional title came last year at the Singha Panasonic Hua Hin, hopes to win this week before joining the first stage of the Asian Tour Q-school at Suvarnabhumi Golf & Country Club on Dec 28-31.
Chapchai and Thanyakorn, who recently kept their Japan Golf Tour cards, could shatter Pawin's hopes.
Chapchai won the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation event two weeks ago while Khon Kaen-born Thanyakorn is playing in front of his home fans.
Both made seven birdies without dropping a shot yesterday.
Sharing fourth place on 66 were Namchok Tantipokhakul and Jaturon Dungphaichoom.
Prom Meesawat had five birdies in a bogey-free round of 67 to tie for sixth with Kasidit Lepkurte and Tirawat Kaewsiribandit.
Danthai Boonma, seeking for his second title on the tour this year after his win in Prachin Buri, posted a 68.
Prayad Marksaeng shot a 71 while Udorn Duangdecha, who is the money leader, carded a 72.
The winner will take home 750,000 baht.