Rickie Barnes takes early lead in CIMB Asia Pacific Classic
Recap
Ricky Barnes has taken the early lead in the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic played in Selangor, Malaysia after the completion of the first round. Barnes fired off an eight-under 63 Thursday 28 Oct to take the lead by one over fellow compatriot Ryan Moore.
Barnes spoke of his play after the round saying, “I got off to a good start by making some good swings and had a 10-foot look at eagle on three which kind of got my round started.”
Barnes didn’t convert for the eagle but still managed to post a solid front nine score of 31 and followed that with a 32 on the second nine. Barnes was solid with the irons hitting 17 of 18 greens in regulation which ultimately translated into a bogey-free
round.
Sitting two back of the lead are Canadian Open winner Carl Pettersson as well as Englishman Brian Davis and South Korean Charlie Wi.
Moore has amassed over $2m on the PGA tour this year but does not have a victory. Moore, who arrived in Malaysia last Friday to adjust to the time change sounds determined to get a win before the year is out.
“For me, this is my last chance to get a win and finish off the year the way I want to,” said Moore. “It was a good season. I feel like it was better than last year, and last year I had a win. That’s what I’m coming here for. It’s my last tournament of the
year.”
The event being held this week is a 40-man tournament played at the Mines Resort and Golf Club. The 29-year-old Barnes is currently ranked 42nd on the PGA tour money-list but that could all change with a win here. This week’s event has a $6m purse with
a $1m dollar winner’s share.
Barnes best finish this year is a tie for third at the Memorial Tournament. He has never won a PGA tour event although he has come close numerous times which includes a tie for second in the 2009 U.S. Open Championship.
Look for players to go low this week on a par-71 course that stretches to only 6,966 yards. Also, there is plenty of fire power here this week with PGA stars such as Ernie Els (67), Luke Donald (67) and Retief Goosen (69) in the field. Other notables include,
last week’s runner-up Martin Laird (66) and Rickie Fowler (68).
Tags: