Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the US$1million Macao Open on Thursday — taking a share of the lead following first-round seven-under-par 63s.
They are in front by a shot from Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australian Jack Thompson, on 64s, at the Macau Golf and Country Club — in the 22nd staging of the Asian Tour event.
Korean Im Sung-Jae, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Indian Pukhraj Singh Gill, as well as Ye Wocheng and Bobby Bai from China are a stroke further back following 65s.
Gunn’s round was impeccable: he was bogey-free, made an eagle, and recorded five birdies.
He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season to date, he got the motivation he needed by going on social media Thursday morning.
“Very happy with today. Started the day by stumbling on a clip on Instagram from Tom Kim,” said the 33-year-old, who is looking for his first victory on the Asian Tour, having finished runner-up four times.
“I think it kind of summarised what he’s been doing throughout this year. And, you know, practising a lot does not mean the results are good. So that kind of unlocked something in me, I guess.
“I’ve been grinding really hard, harder than last year, you know, expecting better results, but it’s not coming. So, I let it all go today, relaxed and then had some lucky breaks out there. I think my mind was more free out there, so I think that’s why I played better golf.”
He is presently in 49th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His best finish is joint 12th in the Maekyung Open in Korea in May.
Ding did well to perform at such a high level, having flown in from the Spanish Open, and managing only three hours of sleep last night.
“Honestly, it’s been physically demanding,” he said. “I only slept three hours last night. I woke up at 4.50 this morning. I tried to sleep around 9pm yesterday but couldn’t fall asleep until about 1am.”
Like Gunn, he started on the back nine, and also made an eagle, as well as six birdies and only one dropped shot.
The 20-year-old turned professional at the end of last year and has been playing on the DP World Tour.
This week marks his first start of the season on the Asian Tour.
He said: “Great to be back here. I always play better in my home country. I didn’t do really well this year. The young generation over there is very strong and the courses are hard.
“I was a little bit off after I’ve been to Europe, but I will keep my card.” He eagled the famous par-five 18th today, his ninth, after hitting a four-iron 240 yards to 20 feet. He also birdied his final hole, the par-fourth ninth, following a wedge to 25 feet.
Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho came in with a 67, while defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan of Thailand returned a 68.
China’s Haotong Li carded a 70.
England’s Lee Westwood, winner of this event back in 1999, has work to do. The 52-year-old shot a 74 — two more than his 24-year-old son Samuel.