Maruyama leads Panasonic Open
BY Bruce Young | Japan Tour | 2009 Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open | Round Two | 25 Sep 2009
Daisuke Maruyama leads after the second round of the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open at the Jyoyo Country Club in Kyoto, his 7 under par total leading by one over Korea’s Hyung-Sung Kim with a further shot back to Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng, Taichi Teshima and Toru Suzuki.
The co-sanctioned event between the Asian and Japan Golf Tour’s is delicately balanced in terms of the performances of both tours although the Japan Golf Tour regulars have the edge over the Asian Tour members at the half way stage.
Although ranked only 302nd in the world at present, Maruyama has found some good form in recent weeks finishing runner up at the recent Fujisankei Classic and 8th at last week’s ANA Open. The 38 year old has won only one previous event on the Japan Golf Tour, the 2005 Fujisankei Classic.
Maruyama played two seasons on the PGA Tour in 2006 and 2007 where his best finish was 3rd at the 2006 International in Colorado. He returned to the Japan Golf Tour in 2008 and earlier this year topped the 2009 Asian Tour School, although he has seldom played in Asia this season.
South Korean, Kim, has been a three time winner on the Korean Tour but is in his rookie season in Japan in 2009. He has already given an indication of just what a talented player he is with several top ten finishes in his first season.
Recent Selangor Masters winner, Rick Kulacz is the best of the Australasians in a share of 9th position at 3 under and 4 behind Maruyama’s lead. Asian Tour rookie Matt Griffin and Unho Park are next at 2 under, Scott Hend and Terry Pilkadaris are at 1 over, Paul Sheehan, Andrew Dodt and Gavin Flint are at 2 over, David Smail is at 3 over and Mitchell Brown and Marcus Both at 4 over.
