Natipong Srithong shared the clubhouse lead after the first round of the rain-disrupted Boonchu Ruangkit Championship in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima, yesterday.
Seeking his first title on the All Thailand Golf Tour, Natipong shot a seven-under-par 64 with eight birdies against one bogey at the par-71 Rancho Charnvee Resort & Golf Club. He shared the clubhouse lead with Poom Pattaropong and Smart Kittirattanapaiboon.
Pavit Tangkamolprasert suffered a late blow with bogeys at the 16th and 18th holes to finish on 65.
The reigning ATGT No.1, who is trying to defend the title he won on 23 under last year, started well with eight birdies after 15 holes.
Joining him at six under were Thaya Limpipolpaibul, who hit an eagle at 14th, four birdies and one bogey, Nattawat Suvajanakorn and Sarit Suwannarut.
A former Asian Tour winner, Natipong credited his wedge and putter for the good start.
"My wedge was really good while putter was sharp," said Natipong, who is seeking his first title on All Thailand Golf Tour. "Unfortunately, I three-putted on two holes."
Playing his second event this year, Natipong was satisfied despite being "a bit rusty".
"Overall, I am happy with my round," he said. "The key here is that your iron play must be really good and it was today."
Former champion Danthai Boonma shot a two-under-par 69 while Asian Tour winner Berry Henson of the United States, Prom Meesawat, Thongchai Jaidee, and Namchok Tantipokhakul, who won the event in 2017, posted a 70.
Rising star Atthaya Thitikul, one of four women in the 144-player tournament, made an impressive start with three birdies on the front nine before suffering three bogeys at the 11th, 13th and 14th holes. LPGA player Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras shot a 72 after making three birdies and four bogeys.
Forty players were unable to finish their rounds due to darkness including Gunn Chareonkul, who made six birdies for six under with two holes to play.
The event, which offers a total purse of four million baht, serves as a curtain-raiser for the All Thailand Golf Tour 2021. The winner will receive 600,000 baht and a projected seven world ranking points.