Fathauer in the mood

DEREK Fathauer (pic) did not have much to celebrate on the US PGA Tour last year but that could change this week after finding himself in the first round lead at the CIMB Classic yesterday.

A bogey-free round of 64 put Fathauer in a tie with fellow Americans Keegan Bradley and Justin Thomas.

But having claimed just one top-10 finish in 30 starts on the 2015-16 PGA Tour, the 30-year-old Fathauer could be forgiven for not looking too far ahead.

“I played really solid. Hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and no bogeys. So eight birdies, no bogeys, and it was a great day,” said Fathauer who finished fourth at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in November 2015 after holding the 54-hole lead.

“I’m playing somewhat conservative, not hitting a lot of drivers. I didn’t play a practice round, so I’m just trying to keep the ball in play. Seemed to work today and I’ll kind of stick to my guns and see what happens.”

Ranked 248th in the world, Fathauer advanced to the FedExCup playoffs for the first time last season, making it through the first two events.

He started the new season in a tie for 15th at the Safeway Open last week and is among several golfers who made the long journey here from California.

Now, he is enjoying one of his rare trips outside of North America and feels quite at home in Kuala Lumpur where the weather is similar to Florida.

“I feel great. I didn’t play a practice round. This is my first time here, and I thought I did really well out there,” said Fathauer.

“I’m from South Florida, so it’s about as hot there. I do need to drink some more water. I probably only had two or three waters all day, so I’m going to go chug a few.”