Groom fires 65 to lead Cambodian Open
BY iseekgolf.com | Asian Tour | 2007 Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open | Round One | 29 Nov 2007
Australia’s Adam Groom blasted a steady seven-under-par 65 for a narrow one stroke lead over the charging field in the opening round at the inaugural Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open on Thursday.
Groom, 28, nailed eight birdies against a lone bogey at the Phokeethra Country Club for a one stroke advantage over roommate and compatriot Mitchell Brown, who shot a 66 and American Bryan Saltus who continued his fine form in the US$300,000 Asian Tour event.
Arjun Singh of India enjoyed a bogey free round firing five birdies for a 67 in tied fourth spot alongside American Anthony Kang. Malaysian rookie S.Sivachandran carded a 68 in joint sixth spot alongside defending champion Chapchai Nirat, Myanmar’s Zaw Moe, Japan’s Tetsuya Koyama and New Zealander Stephen Scahill.
Starting on the backnine, Groom blasted six birdies in his first nine holes and continued his relaxed approach on course with two more birdies against a lone dropped shot for a solid 65.
“This course suits my game. I started with a couple of pars and then holed four birdies in row which was a great start. I carried on the momentum from then on and I’m happy with my opening round result,” said Groom, who competed in his maiden Major outing at the Open Championship in July.
“I’ve been enjoying good form since the second half of the year and I’m now playing in my third event in a row. I would like to take it easy this week because I will be playing in the season ending Volvo Masters of Asia and will be heading home to compete at the Australian Open so it’s going to be a bit hectic but it’s been good so far. I’m also happy that my roommate Mitchell is up there because he needs a good finish here,” added Groom, in search of his first ever Asian Tour title.
Rookie Brown, who is currently ranked 67th on the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit, enjoyed a blemish free round that included an eagle at the second hole as he hopes for a strong result this week to secure his card for next season. Only the top-60 players from the UBS Order of Merit will secure their place for next year.
“This is the perfect start I need for this week. I want to secure my position for next year so I hope to have a repeat run tomorrow if not it’s back to Qualifying School for me,” said Brown.
Singh, who turned professional in 1994, found the right touch to his game thanks to the guidance of his coach Claude Harmon. He was three under after nine holes and posted two more birdies on the way home.
“It’s a good day. I kept it in play and I enjoyed a 20 foot birdie putt on the eighth hole, which was great,” said Singh.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position but this is thanks to the guidance of Claude Harmon, who is the same coach for Gaurav Ghei. He has been with me since the summer and has helped get my game back together again. My game still needs fine tuning but I’m really happy to be where I am right now,” admitted the New-Delhi-based golfer.
Source – Asian Tour
