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)