Phuket: John Catlin had the honour of taking the clubhouse lead in the first round played on the Asian Tour in 20 months, carding a seven-under-par 65 in the US$1 million Blue Canyon Phuket Championship yesterday at Blue Canyon Country Club.
Phachara Khongwatmai lines up a putt. PAUL LAKATOS
On a jubilant first day for the Tour following a long period of inactivity caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, the American shot a dazzling round consisting of two eagles and three birdies on the famous Canyon Course.
Taiwan's Chan Shih-chang and South African Ian Snyman also impressed with 66s to sit in second place, while Thailand's Phachara Khongwatmai fired a 67.
Catlin has been in inspired form over the past three years -- claiming four Asian Tour titles and three European Tour wins -- and gave another masterclass today.
"I made a few long ones, I just happened to play good. And I took advantage of the par fives," said the 31-year-old Californian.
He eagled the par-five ninth after holing a 30-footer following a brave three-iron second shot, and later eagled the par-five 15th after nailing a 3-wood to nine feet.
The American based himself in Hua Hin, Thailand, when he played on the Asian Tour and this week marks the first time he has been back in well over a year.
"Last time I was here was in May 2020. Feels great, like I have been saying for the past four years it feels like a second home," he added.
Sadom Kaewkanjana plays a shot during the first round. PAUL LAKATOS
Chan has also been in prolific form of late, recording four wins on his country's domestic circuit this year. He was also runner-up in last week's Yeangder TPC -- an event normally played on the Asian Tour but wasn't this year because of Covid.
"It's been long since we last came out to play. I am really excited this week. I've been playing well back home and the competitions have kept my game in shape," said Chan, who won twice on the Asian Tour in 2016.
Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana was tied fifth with Indian duo Shiv Kapur, S Chikkarangappa and Americans Paul Peterson and Kim Si-Hwan.
Nine players were unable to finish the opening round yesterday because of bad light.