Thailand Golf Championship: Veteran Thaworn Wiratchant shoots 69 in the first round
Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant shot a 69 in the opening round of the Thailand Golf Championship, to take the share of the 10th position on the leaderboard, on Thursday, December 6, 2012.
Wiratchant is more visible in the roster than any other contender, thanks chiefly to his three Asian Tour victories this season. That is why he is being regarded as one of the hot favourites to win the event in Thailand as well.
The US$1 million event is being staged at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok, with a strong field featuring big names such as the defending champion Lee Westwood, the reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson and the Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia.
Wiratchant, who currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit, started his round with birdies on two of the first three holes that he played.
He then added another shot to his scorecard on the seventh hole, to reach the turn in three under. The back nine of the course witnessed him card a single birdie against a lone bogey, bringing his first-round score to a 69.
The highlight of his performance came on the seventh hole, when he stunned the spectators with a sparkling chip-in birdie from 40 yards.
At the end of the day, he talked to the reporters and expressed his pleasure in displaying consistency in his game from the tee to the green.
He told that it was really difficult to hit the fairways at the Amata Spring Country Club, which is regarded as one of the toughest golf courses in Asia.
“I have very good tee shots and missed only one fairway which I made par. My tee shot was good, chipping was also good,” said Wiratchant.
He added, “I’m very happy with my score especially on this golf course. This is not an easy golf course. It is very tough for me but it is easier for the long hitters. It was nice to sink some putts”.
He also praised the way Lee Westwood played in the opening round. The Englishman is participating in the event, in a bid to defend his title that he won last year.
“Just look at Lee Westwood. He shot so many bogeys but returned with a 70. He is such a good player and a good guy,” Wiratchant said.
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