Thaworn Wiratchant struggles with his short game at the Iskandar Johor Open
Thaworn Wiratchant’s putter remained cold, during the first round of the Iskandar Johor Open, as he carded a one-under par 71, to share the 45th position on the leaderboard.
The Iskandar Johor Open is the last event on the 2012 Asian Tour roster, and is being staged at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.
Wiratchant, who has enjoyed a great run of form with his putter this season, struggled with his short game on day one of the US$2 million event.
The Thai star carded only three birdies against two bogeys to settle eight strokes behind the pace set by David Lipsky, who fired a nine-under par 63. In addition to that, he also trails Marcus Fraser of Australia by one stroke.
Fraser currently aims to replace Wiratchant at the top of the Asian Tour Order of Merit, by finishing ahead of his rival in the tournament.
If he succeeds in earning slightly over US$25,000 more, compared to Wiratchant, he will become the first Australian player, in the history of the Asian Tour, to win the money list title.
Talking to the Asian Tour’s official website, Wiratchant expressed his disappointment in struggling with his short game in round one.
He told that he was playing well with his driver. However, his poor short game did not allow him to post a decent score on the leaderboard.
According to him, he will have to make a strong comeback in the tournament, in a bid to become the Order of Merit champion for the second time in his career – he also won the 2005 money list title.
“I’m hitting the ball good but my short game isn’t as good as I want it to be. The course is wet so it is difficult to putt. Last week I struggled with my driver but just when it gets better, my short game leaves me,” said the Thai veteran.
“Honestly, I’m feeling very tired. It has been a long season so I’m trying to relax. There’s a lot to play for so I need to keep my energy up for the week,” added the 15-time Asian Tour winner.
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