Sukree takes first round lead at CIMB National Championship
KUALA LUMPUR:Mohd Sukree Othman birdied four of his last six holes for a five-under-par 66 to take a one-shot lead in the opening round of the CIMB National Championshipat TPC Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
Mohd Sukree, 42,produced a bogey-free card to edge ahead of R. Nachimuthu, Alex Tiong Wei Zen, Kim Leun Kwang and Amir Nazrin Jailani, who returned identical 67s, in the RM200,000 tournament which will reward the winner with a spot in next month's US$7 million ( RM29 million) CIMB Classic, the only PGA Tour tournament held in Southeast Asia.
After turning in oneunder with a birdie on the third hole, Sukree's game caught fire late in his round as he reeled in three straight birdies onthe 13th, 14th and 15th holes before signing off with another closing birdie on the 18th .
“I drove it well and hit my irons consistently. I struggled with my putting early on and then got lucky on the back nine where I holed putts of 20 feet and 15 feet on the 13th and 14th hole,” said Sukree, winner of nine domestic tournaments.
“I've tried to qualify for the CIMB Classic ever year... last year, I came in fifth, so hopefully I can get it done this week. It's a great chance to play against PGA TOUR players as we'll never get a chance to play in America,” said Mohd Sukree in a statement by the organiser, CIMB Group yesterday.
Meanwhile,young promising pro golfer, Amir, shot seven birdies against three bogeys to stay on Sukree's heels.
Last year, he finished third, one shot behind the playoff duo of Danny Chia and Gavin Kyle Green, and is hoping to keep up his chase for a first PGA Tour start at the CIMB Classic.
“The main goal is to win, but in the first few days, it'll be important to keep up with the chase and stay in position. I'll try to keep my momentum going and minimise my mistakes,” said the 21-year-old.
The winner of the CIMB National Championship will have the opportunity to face PGA Tour stars among others 2017 FedExCup champion Justin Thomas; CIMB Classic defending champion, Pat Perez; Ryder Cup star, Paul Casey; Japanese ace, Hideki Matsuyama; 2017 Rookie of the Year, Xander Schauffele and World Golf Hall of Fame members, Ernie Els and Davis Love III.
The CIMB Classic will be held at TPC Kuala Lumpur's West course from Oct 11 to 14. It is the second leg of the 2018-19 PGA Tour season. Bernama