Dhaka, Bangladesh, 24-04-2018
Japan's Kazuki Higa lights up round one of bti Open with a blazing 62, establishes healthy five-shot lead
India's M Dharma in tied fourth
Japan's Kazuki Higa set the fairways and greens of Dhaka's Kurmitola Golf Club (KGC) ablaze with his blistering 10-under-62 to take a five-shot lead on day one of the US$ 60,000 bti Open.
Argentina's Miguel Carballo and Sweden's Malcolm Kokocinski occupied tied second place at five-under-67 at the event tri-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers Association (BPGA).
Kazuki Higa, the man from Okinawa who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Monday, gave himself the perfect birthday gift on Tuesday as he made 10 birdies including four in a row from the 14th to the 17th and didn't make a single error.
An ecstatic Higa said, “This is unbelievable. I couldn't have asked for a better start to the week. I really enjoyed myself at the KGC today. It's a fantastic golfing venue.
“I had a shaky start as my approach shot on the first hole missed the green. But the birdies on the next two holes really lifted my confidence. I felt I was in the groove at that point and the birdies just kept coming for me thereafter. The four consecutive birdies were special as they helped me open up a significant lead.
“My ball-striking and putting were both exceptional in round one. It's now all about being patient and capitalizing on this brilliant start.â€Â
Miguel Carballo sank an eagle and six birdies at the cost of three bogeys in his round of 67 that gave him a share of second place along with Malcolm Kokocinski who made six birdies and a bogey on Tuesday.
The five players tied for fourth at four-under-68 included the Bangladeshi duo of Md Zamal Hossain Mollah and Md Shakhawat Hossain Sohel, India's M Dharma as well as Sri Lanka's Mithun Perera.
Dharma was six-under through 10 holes having made four straight birdies from the third to the sixth. However, Dharma, the lone Indian in the top-10 on day one, slipped to four-under as he dropped a bogey and a double-bogey in exchange for a lone birdie over the last eight holes.
Md Dulal Hossain was the third Bangladesh player in the top-10. He shot a 69 to be placed tied ninth.
The host nation's premier golfer Md Siddikur Rahman was placed tied 15th with a score of two-under-70.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
