Bain blasts to the top at Asian Q-School

Asian Tour | 2009 Asian Tour Q-School - Final Stage | Round One | 14 Jan 2009

Scotsman Ross Bain blasted a five-under-par 68 for the clubhouse lead in the opening round at the Final Stage of the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School presented by Sports Authority of Thailand on Tuesday.

Bain, who resides in Dubai, took a one stroke lead over the field after nailing an eagle, four birdies against a lone bogey at the par-73 St Andrews 2000 course.

The Final Stage is played over five rounds where the first two rounds will be staged at the par-73 St Andrews 2000 and par-72 Rayong Green Valley Country Club. The final three rounds will be held at St Andrews 2000.

Local golfer Pijit Petchkasem, who celebrated his 22nd birthday today, recorded a 69 to lie in lone second place while American Clay Devers, England’s Yasin Ali, Australia’s Matthew Griffin, Colombian Eduardo Herrera and Sweden’s Lars Johansson were among those in the mix in tied third spot after firing matching 70s.

A bush fire at St Andrews 2000 seventh hole had forced a 45 minute delay today before play was resumed at 4pm. Play at St Andrews 2000 was then stopped at 6:15pm due to darkness. A total of 12 golfers will resume the first round on Wednesday at 7am.

But it was Bain who took advantage of the early morning conditions firing a solid 68.

“I played very well in the first eight holes as I was six under at one point and I couldn’t have asked for a better start. But it was tough and tricky out there,” said Bain, who has been a regular feature on the Asian Tour since 1999.

“I holed an eagle at the (par six 702 yards) fourth hole. I drove it well off the tee followed by a three wood in my second shot. I then used a seven iron from 190 yards out and putted for eagle. That was nice.

“I had a frustrating year in 2008 so I hope this is a sign of better things to come. I’ve been out for here for 10 years and I want to continue playing here as I enjoy it, even if it means coming back to Q-School again,” said Bain, who played in all four rounds at the British in 2007.

Birthday boy Pijit believes lady luck was on his side when he shot a steady 69 to lie a stroke behind the leader.

“There was a long delay because of the fire and I thought it would disrupt my concentration but looking at the result, I think it helped me even more as I was steady coming in. I was also quite lucky out there,” said Pijit, with seven amateur wins on the domestic circuit.

American Devers was pleased with his form when he posted a 70 to lie in a tie for third spot.

“I played well. I started on the back nine and I putted solid. This is my third round of golf since November so I’m satisfied with my run today,” said Devers, with two wins on the Asian Tour.

After a solid campaign in the local amateur scene last year, Australia’s number one amateur Matthew Griffin was steady in the opening round at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club firing a 70.

“I’ve just turned professional over the last three months. I’ve enjoyed a good amateur career last year which helped me claim the number one ranking on the amateur list.

“I’m enjoying it so far this week and I’ve heard many good things about the Asian Tour. I went through the amateur ranks with Ashley Hall and Rick Kulacz who have both played on the Asian Tour before so I’m looking forward to shooting more good scores and earn my card for the 2009 season,” said 25-year-old Melbourne-based Griffin, with three amateur wins in 2008.

With five birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey, Singaporean amateur Quincy Quek was pleased with his opening round performance of 71 at Rayong Green Valley Country Club to lie in a tie for 13th place.

“It’s my first time playing at the Asian Tour’s Qualifying School. The reason I decided to try out is because I hope to play on the Asian Tour after my National Service ends. I’ll complete National Service in three months time and since I decided to focus in golf, I wanted to give it a go this week,” said the 21-year-old Quek, who won the 2007 Putra Cup individual title and the 2008 Putra Cup team event. He was also the 2007 Singapore Amateur Closed winner.

“It’s an important step to come to Qualifying School. I’ve spoken to Mardan (mamat) and he said that it would be a good experience for me as I’ve got nothing to lose but all to gain by trying out here this week.

“I had a decent round with five birdies against two bogeys and one double bogey but I’m looking forward to the second round and hopefully better my run,” added Quek.

Source – Asian Tour