Chiang Rai: National team player Kasidit Lepkrute fired a six-under-par 66 in the first round yesterday to take a one-shot lead at the Singha Masters.
The 23-year-old amateur, a member of the bronze medal winning Thai team at last year's Asian Games, made eight birdies and two bogeys at Santiburi Country Club in the 2014 season finale of the All Thailand Golf Tour.
Kasidit Lepkrute.
Chapchai Nirat, who is looking for his third win of the season on the tour, was tied for second on 67 along with Poosit Supupramai and Panuwat Muenlek.
"My iron play was good and that gave me a lot of birdie chances," said Kasidit, who was the low amateur here last year.
Seeking to be the first amateur to win the title here after Prom Meesawat in 1999, Kasidit said that he was quite nervous.
Although he has improved lately, Kasidit said he was not in a hurry to turn professional.
He he said wanted to represent Thailand in three tournaments this year — the SEA Games in Singapore, Asian Amateur Championships in Hong Kong and Nomura Cup in Dubai.
Sutijet Kooratapisan fired five birdies and one bogey to stay fifth on 68.
Four-time winner Prayad Marksaeng got a birdie at the final hole for joint 13th place on 71 with Chinnarat Phadungsil and Pijit Petchkasem.
Thammanoon Sriroj, who is seeking his fifth win here, suffered a double bogey at the final hole for a 72 and was tied for 20th.
Defending champion Poom Saksansin made a 74 for joint 40th place along with Thaworn Wiratchant, Thanyakorn Khrongpha and Udorn Duangdecha.
On the women's side, amateur Budsabakorn Sukhapan fired a 70 for a one-shot lead ahead of Nichakorn Raksachat and Rungthiwa Pangjan. Onnarin Sattayabanphot was fourth on 72.