Sungai Petani: Shaifubari Muda got his title defence off to a brilliant start by taking a share of opening round lead at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Sime Darby Harvard Masters on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old, who ended a seven-year title drought when he clinched the title at Harvard Golf & Country Club last year, matched the effort of Canadian Lindsay Renolds in the RM200,000 (appox US$65,000) event , which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT) for the first time.
James Bowen of the United States carded a 66 to take third place while compatriot Spencer Shishido was a further shot back in fourth place after signing for a 67.
Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Chi-hsien set himself well for his second ADT win when he returned with a 68 to stay three shots back of the leaders in tied-fifth place alongside Australia’s Anthony Choat, England’s Grant Jackson, Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Philippines’ Carl Santos-Ocampo and local hopes Akhmal Tarmizee and Khor Kheng Hwai.
Shaifubari was clearly delighted with his flawless round which was highlighted by seven birdies on holes three, six, nine, 10, 12, 13 and 18.
“Sixty five is good score. Although I’ve shot a 64 on this course before, I’ll take a 65 anytime. Everyone thinks of winning whenever we’re in contention and I’m no different. But the most important is still to remain focus as it’s still early days,” said Shaifubari.
“It has not been all smooth-sailing in terms of results since my victory here last year but I felt a fresh burst of confidence coming back here as the titleholder. I have won three tournaments sponsored by Sime Darby previously, so I’m banking on that lucky run continuing.
“I was able to put together a strong display with a run of birdies through the turn and hopefully I can sustain that sort of form over the next three days,” he added, noting that it would not be easy to emerge victorious over the strong co-sanctioned field.
Renolds credited his driver for playing a pivotal role in securing pole position after day one. The Canadian reached the turn in 31 after marking his card with five birdies on holes three, four, six, eight and nine. He then added further birdies on holes 13 and 18 to sign for a sparkling round of 65.
“I birdied all the par-fives today, which I’m obviously very delighted with. The course conditions were excellent. My driver was perfect and I played every shot as it was. Hopefully, this will continue through to Saturday,” said the 26-year-old Canadian.
Australia’s Mark Varela had the honours of carding the event’s first hole-in-one after he sank his ace on the 159-metres par-three second with a seven-iron.
Leading first round scores
65 – Lindsay Renolds (CAN), Shaifubari Muda
66 – James Bowen (USA)
67 – Spencer Shishido (USA)
68 – Hsieh Chi-hsien (TPE), Grant Jackson (ENG), Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Carl Santos-Ocampo (PHI), Anthony Choat (AUS), Akhmal Tarmizee Nazari
69 – Mhark Fernando (PHI), Mohd Hafiy Suhaili, James Lam (PHI), Masaru Takahashi (JPN), Daniel Ng, S. Sivachandhran, Gavin Flint (AUS), Ratchapol JANTAVAR (THA)
