Kijal: Relatively unknown Australian Ryan Bulloch pulled out a stunner after taking the opening round lead at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Terengganu Masters on Monday.
The former greenskeeper fired a blemish free seven-under-par 64, highlighted by five birdies and one eagle for a three-shot lead over Japanese Masaki Sakata, Shakhawat Sohel of Bangladesh, Englishman Grant Jackson and Gavin Flint of Australia.
The local trio of Lam Yu Shuen, Sukree Othman and Zurie Harun led the domestic charge as they took a share of sixth place with Singaporean Justin Han on matching 68s at the RM220,000 (approximately US$70,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) co-sanctioned event.
The 34-year-old Bulloch, who turned professional this year after rediscovering his love for the game, birdied the first hole and sparked into life when he chipped in for eagle from 30-feet on the par-five ninth hole at the Awana Kijal Golf Beach and Spa Resort. He went on to sink four more birdies on holes 12, 14, 15 and 16 to cap a sensational run.
“That eagle was really the turning point for me. I hit it pretty well for my round and played steady around the golf course. It was nice with the four birdies because 15 and 16 are dangerous holes out there,” said Bulloch.
After getting “bored” of his routine job, where he worked as a greenskeeper at the Royal Perth, Bulloch decided to chase his dream of becoming a professional golfer.
“I was sick of doing jobs I didn’t like and I played a lot of golf when I was growing up. I like playing here and this is the first Tour I’m playing in. It is very challenging especially with the heat,” added the Australian.
Altogether 106 players from different countries including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, Fiji, Japan, Korea, China, USA, Russia, Chin and Wales have showed up for the fifth edition of tournament organised by the Terengganu Golf Association (PGT).
Leading first round scores
64 – Ryan Bulloch
67 – Grant Jackson (ENG), Gavin Flint (AUS), Masaki Sakata (JPN), Shakawat Sohel (BAN)
68 – Lam Yu Shuen, Sukree Othman, Zurie Harun, Justin Han
69 – Glenn Joyner, Rizal Amin, Derek Mckenzie (SCO); Park Jin-Woo (KOR), Nicholas Fung, Chris Hartas (AUS)
