Pattaya: Kiradech Aphibarnrat fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 to seize the opening round lead by one shot despite struggling with a sore back at the Thongchai Jaidee Foundation yesterday.
Kiradech, highest-ranked Thai in 60th place on the world rankings, highlighted his flawless round with seven birdies to set a course record at the Siam Country Club’s Waterside course.
The 28-year-old Kiradech battled through pain barrier in his opening six holes before seeking help from a physiotherapist to treat his sore back on the sixth green at the four-million-baht Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.
“Today’s round wasn’t as smooth as it seemed. I had to seek help from the physiotherapist on the sixth green. My back was sore from all the traveling and the amount of golf I had since coming back to Thailand,” said Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion.
Kiradech, who won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2015, reeled in five straight pars before firing three straight birdies from the sixth. He added four more birdies on 12, 13, 15 and 17 to set the early pace in what is the penultimate event of the 2017 ADT season.
“Overall, my game is not as good as what I wanted it to be. I putted well but I still need to work on my iron-play. Hopefully my back will loosen up more tomorrow and I can play better,” added the burly Thai.
Kiradech will have the aim of breaking into world’s top 50 at the back of his mind as he hopes to earn a berth to The Masters for the second time next year. He had enjoyed a tied-15th finish at the Augusta National Golf Club when he made his Masters debut in 2016.
England’s William Harrold sat alone in second place while Pannakorn Uthaipas, second on the current Order of Merit rankings, signalled his intent to win the trophy after signing for a 67 to share third place with Chirat Jirasuwan.
“I just played my own game and took advantage of the good playing conditions to score. I was able to control the ball well. It’s going to be the same for me tomorrow, nothing changes. I will stick to the same game plan,” said the 27-year-old Pannakorn.
ADT Order of Merit leader Masaru Takahashi of Japan battled to a 71 while defending champion Chapchai Nirat posted a disappointing 75.
Players will have everything to play for as they continue to battle for the ADT Order of Merit crown as well as the five Asian Tour cards on offer for the 2018 season.