Australians share golf lead as Nobilo tumbles
Australians share golf lead as Nobilo tumbles
JAKARTA (JP): Little known Australians Glen Joyner and Don
Fardon stole the thunder at the first round of the Sampoerna
Indonesia Open Golf Championships yesterday, sharing the early
lead by a stroke.
Defending champion Frank Nobilo of New Zealand who, after an
official practice round on Tuesday said that the 416-m par-4 of
the 18th of the Pantai Indah Kapuk is the most difficult hole,
yesterday struck a poor finish there. He was punished with a
triple bogey.
Nobilo's second shot which perched on the rough was followed
with another stop at the rough. His fourth try was no better, as
it landed dead at the sand bunker for a five on.
"My puttings were so poor today. I hope I can recover them at
the second round tomorrow," Nobilo said. Last year he won the
event with a 14-under 274 (69 67 69 69).
Nobilo opened yesterday's round with a 1-under par-35, however
on his journey home he had a 39 for a poor two-over 74.
Joyner on the other hand charged the par-72 course with two
birdie shots for a 34. He went home with another 34 for a total
of 68 and shared the lead with compatriot Fardon, who carded an
identical 68 (34 34).
"The weather was just fine, but a wind blowing at the 10th was
a bit troubling to my concentration," said the 33-year-old
Fardon.
One stroke further for second place, each at 69, were Anthony
Painter and Stephen Leaney both of Australia, Argentinean Gustavo
Rojas and American Greg Webb, an Asian Tour regular participant.
Three times U.S. PGA champion American Hale Irwin was one
stroke further back at 70 (34 36) for third place. He was joined
by fellow countrymen Dustin Phillips, Craig McClellan and Todd
Hamilton and South African rising star Nico van Rensburg, each
with a 70.
Indonesia's leading pro golfer Maan Naasim was at 73 joined by
his amateur fellow countryman Dana Mahmud.
Some 150 golfers are taking part in the annual tournament
which offers a total cash prize of US$250,000 officially opened
by Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman. (rsl)
Selected results
68 - Glen Joyner (Aus)
- Don Fardon (Aus)
69 - Anthony Painter (Aus)
- Gustavo Rojas (Arg)
- Stephen Leaney (Aus)
- Gary Webb (USA)
70 - Dustin Phillips (USA)
- Craig McClellan (USA)
- Hale Irwin (USA)
- Nico van Rensburg (RSA)
- Todd Hamilton (USA)
71 - Chen Liang-Hsi (ROC)
- Mardan Mamat (Sin)
- Jim Rutledge (Can)