Khon Kaen, Thailand, August 16 - Gunn Charoenkul fired the finest round of his fledgling career to take the clubhouse lead with an eight-under-par 64 in the Singha E-San Open on Thursday.
The young man from Pattaya, who turned professional last year, made four birdies on each nine at Singha Park Golf Club to finish the day ahead of compatriot Pijit Petchkasem, in with a 66.
Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung and Rory Hie from Indonesia lie joint third after returning 67s, in the third event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Pre-tournament favourites Wisut Artjanawat and Prom Meesawat from Thailand made solid starts.
Wisut, equal third in last week’s Thailand Open on OneAsia, was one of six players who carded a 69 while Prom signed for a 70.
Rain delays meant a number of players were unable to complete their rounds including Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, who claimed the season-opening Luang Prabang Laos Open, and countryman Udorn Duangdecha, the defending champion.
Said Gunn: “I was disappointed to miss the cut in the Thailand Open last week especially as it is such a big event but I was unwell with a fever. It made me more determined to play well this week.”
The talented golfer manages his golf schedule while also studying marketing at University in Thailand.
“I putted really well today and made some good up and downs. The course is playing a little differently this year as the wind is blowing in a different direction. It is nice to have no bogeys on the card,” added Gunn.
He is a close friend of Panuphol Pittayarat, nicknamed “Coconut”, who he has known since the age of seven.
Gunn recorded his best finish on the ASEAN PGA Tour last year when he ended equal ninth in the Ancora Classic in Indonesia.
Udorn is three under with four to play while Thaworn is one under after 14.
First round scores (Par 72, Thai unless stated)
64 - Gunn Charoenkul
66 - Pijit Petchkasem
67 - Nicholas Fung (MAS), Rory Hie (INA)
68 - Jitti Sritanapol, Supakorn Utaipat, Piya Swangarunporn, Michael Tran (VNM)
69 - Prakaiyut Loundthong, Rattanon Wannasrichan, Prin Sirisommai (a), Wisut Artjanawat, Philip Matsson, Sirapong Maitreeyuenyong
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