Gavin’s slow take-off
Jet-lagged Malaysian trails leader Rose by eight shots
PETALING JAYA: Gavin Kyle Green birdied his four last holes for a two-under 70 to trail leader Justin Rose of England by eight shots after the first round of the US$750,000 (RM3.06mil) Indonesian Masters.
The 23-year-old endured a rough start from the 10th tee, bogeying the 12th and 13th holes to turn in 38 at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club yesterday.
He only picked up his first birdie on the second hole but dropped it back on the fifth.
It was only then that Gavin was finally able to get his round going by closing with four straight birdies to be tied for 36th with 24 golfers, including compatriot Arie Irawan Fauzi.
Arie failed to build on his impressive start where he birdied three of his first five holes. He had a birdie and two bogeys on the back nine.
Gavin said he was still trying to overcome jet lag having only arrived from Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday.
“For some reason I felt like I was asleep playing golf. I couldn’t hit my driver well and nothing was clicking so I was really frustrated,” he said.
“I think it’s due to jet lag and fatigue kicking in. But I managed to pull myself together and finish strongly with four birdies. There are still a couple more days ahead, so I just want to play better tomorrow and make the cut.”
Nicholas Fung is joint 60th following a 71 while Danny Chia shares the 77th spot a further shot back.
Ben Leong has his work cut out after struggling to a four-over 76 for tied 134th.
Only half of the 150-man field will progress into the weekend rounds.