| Fadhil Yunus |
SOUTH Korea’s golfer Ran Hong took the lead in the opening round of the Brunei Ladies Open 2018 after firing a seven-under-par 64 at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.
The golfer currently holds a two-shot lead over her compatriot Ji Hyun Oh whose run of five-under-par 66 puts her alone in second place with a quartet of players tied in third place with four-under-par 67.
Hong enjoyed a bogey-free round and sank seven birdies to set the tone in the three-day tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) and the China Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (CLPGA).
“I’m happy with a bogey-free round. I had a lot of chances to make a birdie and then I made a putt to get a birdie which made me happy,” said the clubhouse leader in an interview with the media.
When asked about the playing conditions at the Jack-Nicklaus designed course, the South Korean explained that the rough is pretty tough.
“If the ball is in the rough, it could be a wrong result. I’m not a big hitter but I’m an accurate hitter. I think it suits me,” said Hong.
Hong, who previously competed at the Korea Investment & Securities Championship in Binh Duong, Vietnam last week, said that a similar performance like the opening round could enhance her chances of winning the tournament.
“It will be great if I can repeat the performance just like in the first round tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.
“The most important thing is to keep the ball in the fairway and the green and then we stand a chance to win,” said Hong.
South Korea duo Jin Seon Han and Su Yeon Jang recorded an eagle but two bogeys for the former in the 14th and 16th hole slowed down her progress.
Brunei Darussalam is represented by two golfers namely Valerie Tan, a Brunei professional player and Dayangku Nurmashizriah Nikman, an amateur golfer.
Dayangku Nurmashizriah, who is taking part in her first professional golf tournament, felt that she was left behind than the rest of the field.
“The pro players train every day and we don’t. We don’t have enough training. I train maybe once or twice a week,” said Dayangku Nurmashizriah.
When asked what is needed to help boost the golf community in Brunei, she highlighted the need for sponsors, good equipment and playing overseas to gain experience as well as proper training.
The 23-year old, who studied at Sports School prior to joining the national team, shared that she picked up golfing skills under the guidance of a coach from the Department of Youth and Sports.
Dayangku Nurmashizriah, whose success came mainly in local amateur tournaments, said that her appearance helped her gain some knowledge through the innate qualities of the pro players.
“I learn so much by looking at their swing and how they play. I think in my flight, the players are in the top five,” she added.
Meanwhile, Valerie Tan, a Brunei professional golfer only recently returned to golf following a three-year break from the game.
Valerie turned professional nine years ago when she was 22 and is now slowly finding her feet after being troubled by injury.
“My swing is not the same and it was little bit rusty. But I think experience wise, I am still experienced but I just need to work on some technical aspects and the swing,” said Valerie.
“It feels great because it is the first ever ladies professional golf tournament in Brunei. It is a little overwhelming and nerve-wrecking but I try to stand up and overcome it,” she said.