Hua Hin: Big-hitting American Peter Uihlein fired a record-equalling 64 to take a one-shot lead in the opening round of the US$1.75 million True Thailand Classic presented by Chang in Hua Hin yesterday.
Peter Uihlein follows his shot on the 13th hole yesterday.
Uihlein, 26, had nine birdies and one bogey on the first day of the event, which is co-sanctioned by European and Asian Tours, to stay one stroke ahead of Pelle Edberg of Sweden.
Scott Jaimeson of Scotland and Javier Colomo of Spain each carded six-under 66 to tie for third.
The outstanding Thai performers on day one were Hua Hin-native Prayad Marksaeng and Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who each shot 67 at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
Last year's runner-up Thongchai Jaidee posted a 69 with five birdies and two bogeys to end the day tied in 25th place.
Defending champion Andrew Dodt of Australia had a soaring 73 and joined the crowd in 104th place.
Thai ace Kiradech Aphibarnrat was faring well before a nightmarish run of four consecutive bogeys on the back nine. He had a first-round total of two-over 74 and finished tied for 125th place in a large group which included veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain and Thai teenage star Phachara Khongwatmai.
Uihlein, who is seeking his second European Tour title since the Portugal Open in 2013, said: "It's always nice when that [a 64] happens. You always shoot a pretty good [total] number when you do that.
"I'm pleased. I putted well and the putter is still hot which is nice. Hit some good wedges, some good iron shots. It was good."
It was another impressive performance from Uihlein who recently shared fourth at the Perth International.
"I'd say this is more my kind of course [compared to Perth]. It's longer and wider. This one sets up for longer hitters which is more my style. It's always nice to get off to a good start."
Spaniard Colomo, seeking his maiden win on the tour, enjoyed a bogey-free round with six birdies and claimed "everything clicked for me" and it would have been better if he hadn't missed some birdie putts.
"I had three lip-outs in a row on 13, 14 and 15 and then made a great two putt for par on 16 which was very important to keep the round going," he said.
Thailand's Pariya said he entered the tournament in a confident mood after performing well on the course many times.
"I know where to place the ball and where to hit it to give myself opportunities," said Pariya, who carded five birdies in a flawless round.
Hua Hin-native Prom Meesawat fired a 68 to join the likes of Scott Hend of Australia, Marc Warren of Scotland, Angelo Que of the Philippines, Jorge Campillo of Spain and Himmat Rai of India a shot behind Pariya and Prayad.
The 31-year-old Prom, who had five birdies and one bogey, said the pin placement was quite tough but with the home course advantage and playing in the calm morning session, he was able to handle it easily.
"The pins are really difficult on the back nine which was my way in," said Prom.
"I've played this course many times and when the pins are tough, you need to know where to put the ball which can be an advantage over here.
"The wind wasn't too harsh, and it made things a bit easier.
"When you get onto the greens and know the speed, it makes things even more convenient for you."
Apart from Thongchai and Kiradech, Prom is also eligible to play on the European Tour this year after keeping his card.
Prom, who tied for 15th at the Malaysian Open two weeks ago, is looking for his maiden European Tour title and the third on Asian Tour.
He added: "I have had two good starts now -- I was five under in Malaysia and am four under today. I'll just try to stay in contention and play good the whole week."
Prom's best finish at this course was a joint third at the 2014 King's Cup, won by Prayad, who is also native of Hua Hin.
Thongchai, the highest-ranked Thai player in the world at 37th, posted a 69 with five birdies and two bogeys and was joint 25th with two other local players Wisut Artjanawat and Atthaphon Sriboonkaew.
"Apart from a few silly mistakes, I played really well today," said Thongchai. "It should have been better. However, a 69 is still a good score."
The seven-time European Tour winner is not in a good shape after falling ill recently but he hopes to get better soon.
Jason Scrivener of Australia had a hole-in-one at the par-three, 160-yard third en route to a 70.