BURGOON HITS ‘BORIN NG’ ROUND TO TAKE LEAD AT TPC KUALA LUMPUR
American shoots 63 to lead, but claims it a ‘boring’ first round
THE name Bronson Burgoon may not ring a bell to many.
But the 31-year-old American golfer may just transform himself into an instant star if he keeps playing the way he has been to snatch the first-round lead at the US$7mil (RM29mil) CIMB Classic yesterday.
Burgoon fired an eagle and eight birdies against a lone bogey for a nine-under 63, one-shot ahead of compatriot Austin Cook at the TPC Kuala Lumpur’s West Course.
American duo Scott Piercy and Billy Horschel carded identical 65s for joint third with Taiwan’s Pan Cheng-tsung.
Defending champion Pat Perez of the United States carded a 70 to be tied 70th.
Making his maiden CIMB Classic appearance, Burgoon got himself into trouble early when he bogeyed the par-four 13th (he teed off from the 10th).
But he made a brilliant comeback by birdieing the next three holes before nailing an eagle from the bunker on the par-five 18th for a front-nine 32.
On his return journey, the world No. 162 continued to impress with birdies on the first, third, fourth, fifth and eighth.
Burgoon, however, described his near-flawless round as “boring”.
“I drove it well and I putted pretty good, so it was kind of boring golf, but that’s always a good thing,” said Burgoon.
“I chipped in for an eagle out of the bunker on my ninth hole, which kind of boosted me, then I kept going.”
Still seeking his US PGA Tour win after 54 starts, Burgoon believes he finally has what it takes to become a champion.
He was in contention on several occasions last season, notably finishing joint runner-up at the John Deere Classic in Illinois.
“I wasn’t very good a few years ago. I wasn’t ready to win, I wasn’t able to win,” said Burgoon.
“Last year, I felt like I banged on the door a couple of times. I was close but definitely needed to get a little bit better. I like my chances now.”
Meanwhile, Cook, who’s playing in his second full season on the PGA Tour, is equally eager to strike it right in his debut in Malaysia.
Cook left it late to birdie four out of his last five holes to put himself in a solid position for his second win since capturing the RSM Classic in Georgia.
“It was just one of those days when everything was going my way. Great way to start the season ... hopefully, I can keep the momentum going,” said Cook.
“I want to win multiple times, not just once. Getting off to a good start will surely help jump-start that process.”