Ricky Barnes surges to clubhouse lead at CIMB Asia Pacific Classic
Predictions once again go wrong as American Ricky Barnes strikes into the lead after posting a score of eight-under-par- 63 in the first round of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, which is taking place at The
Mines Resort and Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur.
The 29-year-old, who won the Amateur World Team championship for the Eisenhower Trophy alongside the American team at the same venue in 2002, produced a blemish free round to seize the prize money of $ 1 million. He helped his
chances for victory with eight fabulous birdies on the par-71 course.
He was followed by his compatriot Ryan Moore, who was trailing behind by one shot. Like Barnes, he too delivered a bogey free round with seven birdies. Further behind was a group at 65 including Korea's Charlie Wi, England's Brian
Davis and Sweden's Carl Pettersson.
Even further below were three players at a score of 66. Pariya Junhasavasdikul and Thongchai Jaidee shot an identical score, whereas the veteran from Singapore, Mardan Mamat, flew a pair of eagles over the last four holes to take
a share in the fourth spot.
World number eight Luke Donald and the winner of the PGA Grand Slam 2010, Ernie Els smashed a 67 to score the fifth spot in the event, which is a joint venture of the Asian Tour, the US PGA Tours and the PGA Malaysia.
Barnes, who is eyeing his debut professional victory, hit 17 greens in regulation and holed eight birdies with a firm grip on the putter. The American was pleased with his game, especially his putting. Speaking to the press he
said, "I made it a very stress free round on myself by putting from about 20 or 25 feet. It seemed like my putts were all from that region."
Barnes is the same amateur who won the US Amateur Championship and tied for the second in the 2009 US Open. Moreover, he finished 10th at the Masters Tournament in April 2010.
Currently he requires a breakthrough victory to vault his name on the PGA Tour. Commenting on his game Barnes said, “I played really well. 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. I remember the heat from Malaysia! I had to fuel up before going out there and it felt good. I felt kind of hot after about nine holes but I was prepared with the weather. I have good memories in Malaysia and it is
really good to be back."
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