Aussie foursome one off the pace

BY iseekgolf.com | Asian Tour | 2008 Johnnie Walker Classic | Round One | 28 Feb 2008

Australians Greg Chalmers, Paul Sheehan, Unho Park and tournament favourite Adam Scott are one shot off the lead after the first round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in India.

The foursome fired rounds of four-under-68 at the DLF Golf and Country Club to be one shot behind 28 year old Shamim Khan of India and Argentinian Daniel Vancsik.

World number five Scott battled into the mix with a 68 and could have led on his own if not for a double bogey on his 16th hole when he sprayed his tee shot into the water.

The slip up prevented him from taking a firm grip of the Johnnie Walker Classic. However, he managed to draw on the positives from his day in the office.

“One poor shot but I don’t think that it really spoiled the round. I was very pleased with everything,” said Scott, who was cruising at five under through 15 holes before his late mishap. “I got off to a good start, kept myself right in the tournament. I need to go out tomorrow morning and try and put a number on the board and get the guys to start chasing it.”

A further five Australasians are within three shots of the lead including Asian Tour regular Adam Blyth and Anthony Summers who shot rounds of 69 and New Zealand’s Michael Long, Sydney’s Won Joon Lee and Newcastles James Nitties who fired rounds of two-under-70.

A further shot back is Peter Senior, recent Asian Tour winner New Zealander Mark Brown, Scott Strange and Scott Barr on one-under.

For Khan and Vanscik is was a case of upstaging some of golf’s biggest names. For the local it was a dream start.

“I’m really happy that in such a star-studded field, I’m at the top of the leaderboard. I can’t explain it in words,” said a beaming Khan.

Three weeks ago, S.S.P. Chowrasia secured a life-changing victory at the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters which served as an inspiration for the likes of Khan. Like Chowrasia, Khan is also a former caddie and plies his trade on the domestic circuit where he has won once.

He took only 24 putts on the tricky DLF greens, holing from long range on the 11th and 16th holes and enjoyed a chip-in birdie as well on the seventh. If he continues to wield his putter like a magic wand, Khan’s world could well change this week. “My putting was very good. I took only 24 putts and I drove it good as well,” said Khan.

“S.S.P. is an old friend of mine. I have been inspired by his recent victory. It has set the tone for us to do well in the international events that come to India. I’m concentrating on my game and will take it one step at a time.”

Vancsik, part of an exciting quartet of Argentine players who triumphed on the European Tour last season, continued to show his growing prowess as he shot up the leaderboard with some wonderful play.

“I have been working hard since the end of the season. I have worked with my coach and psychology for this year and I feel very well. Every player in Argentina feels more confident after what happened last year,” said Vancsik.

Three-time Major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji carded a 70 but Europe’s Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie of Scotland and England’s Ian Poulter struggled with a 74 and 76 respectively.

World number eleven, Singh, failed to come to grips with the tricky DLF greens as he shot three birdies against two bogeys.

“It was very disappointing. I hit the ball really good but didn’t putt particularly well and threw away a few shots. I must have hit five or six loose shots out there. Two under is under par but it’s very disappointing,” said Singh.

“The greens are very hard to putt on. They are very grainy and to read the grains is half the problem. It really helps having local knowledge,” he added.

Source – PGA Tour