Indian Open: Thai Phatlum off to slow start, but likely to improve position in second round
Thai Pornanong Phatlum posted a 72 in the first round of Hero Women’s Indian Open 2012 to take a share of 16th position on the leaderboard.
Phatlum, who has won two editions of the Ladies European Tour (LET), could not pull off an impressive show of her skills on the first day at DLF Golf & Country Club and missed several chances
to score well.
Commentators said that the Thai star is being regarded as the hot favourite for the three-day event as much of the spectators’ support is on her side, giving her heaps of confidence while
she battles a stronger European lineup.
Since the tournament is being staged in India, local stars and other Asian contenders such as Phatlum look to capitalise on course conditions and favourable weather.
Phatlum started the round in a cautious style as she parred the first five holes and launched a birdie on the par-5 6th. She, however, faltered on the next hole and carded a bogey.
On the back nine, her game looked a little more aggressive as she made perfect putts on the greens. She drained a birdie on the 10th hole, but had to suffer another two bogeys on
the 13th and 17th.
Regaining her confidence, the LET titan reeled off a birdie-putt on the par-5 18th.
Commentators said that it is expected that Phatlum will bounce back in the second round as she needed some time to adjust to the course conditions. They pointed out that she has played at
the DLF Golf & country Club before, so it will not be an uphill task for her to improve her position on the leaderboard.
The Thai golfer herself appeared convinced during her pre-tournament interview, as she said that her confidence is high. She attributed her improved game to experience she gained on the Ladies
Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.
“Don’t forget, there are strong players taking part in this event too. The Hero Women’s India Open always holds a special place in my heart because I won it twice over here,” said Phatlum.
“I hope my form and my mental strength will help me win once more to put my name on the record books”.
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