Johor Bahru: A round of two-under 70 helped Wilson Choo to single stroke advantage over amateur Mohd Azman Basharudin and Nicholas Pua after the opening round of the Iskandar Johor Open 2011 National Qualifier at Pulai Springs Resort earlier today.
Choo, who has been in the paid ranks for two years, arrived in Johor without any expectation but a superb round of six birdies against four bogeys made him only one of three players to break par today.
“I’ve never played at the Iskandar Johor Open before and this is my first attempt at qualifying for the championship and what can I say, I’ve no complaint with my round today,” said the 22-year-old, who’s best finish as a professional was a tie for 12th at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Clearwater Classic in June.
“I just played my normal round and had some good shots out there, including a 35-foot birdie on the 13th hole. Overall, my game works out well, especially my wedge and short iron approach. Tomorrow, I’ll just keep to my game plan and hopefully come back with another decent score.”
The 18-year-old burly Azman, who would most likely be playing his last tournament as an amateur this week, carved out a one-under-par 71 on the back of four birdies and three bogeys.
“I’m gunning to qualify for the Iskandar Johor Open this month and if I manage that tomorrow, I’ll turn professional this week,” said the Kedahan, who has decided to withdraw from the SEA Games squad to focus on qualifying for the Iskandar Johor Open.
“I believe I’ve the game and I’m ready to join the play-for-pay ranks. It’s good now that we have an established domestic tour and with a number of events on the regional tours, it is possible for a young player like me to plan my professional career now,” added Azman.
Meanwhile, Pua, who was one of the championship’s five local qualifiers last year, was in the mix after a steady round which featured two birdies and a single bogey.
Four players – Khor Kheng Howe, Haziq Hamizan, M. Sasidaran and S. Sivachandran – are tied on level-par 72 while two more players – Mohd Sukree Othman and Khor Kheng Wai are a shot further back on one-over 73.
The top eight players from the National Qualifier will earn the rights to tee it up at this year’s Iskandar Johor Open scheduled for November 17 to 20 at Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club.
Leading first round scores
70 – Wilson Choo
71 – Nicholas Pua, Mohd Azman Basharudin
72 – Khor Kheng Howe, Haziq Hamazan, M. Sasidaran, S. Sivachandhran
73 – Mohd Sukree Othman, Khor Kheng Hwai
74 – Nicholas Fung, R Nachimuthu, Hilmi Abd Rahman
75 – S. Murthy, P. Gunasegaran
77 – Airil Rizman Zahari
