By Lorna Campbell
Keppel Club, Wednesday, July 30, 2008 – Day one of the ABN AMRO Classic at Keppel Club saw 72 golfers tee off and Gary Kwek holding the overnight lead.
The fourth leg of OAAG Golf Tour has attracted Singapore's top golfers all vying for a share of the S$30,000 prize purse and Gary Kwek took a step towards the top spot today with an impressive round of 67 (five under par).
Kwek said, "I had a very slow start but I shot six-under on the back nine with six birdies so putting was key for me today.
"I have played in every leg of OAAG Golf Tour and my best finish was fourth place in the opening tournament. I would love to do well this week and I hope my putting works well tomorrow also."
Coming in second was Andrew Welsford - coach of Lam Chih Bing – with a round of 68 and Tomoo Bise one shot behind with a 70.
Playing in his first tournament since making history at the British Open at Royal Birkdale as the only Singaporean to play all four rounds, Lam Chih Bing found it tough adapting to the conditions today.
"I really struggled out there today; I didn't make any birdies and made four bogies.
"I was very tired last week after my trip but feel better this week. It is just hard getting used to the conditions again. Playing 10 rounds at Royal Birkdale has affected my swing a little but I am glad to be back and will settle in soon I am sure. There are two days to go here and it's a challenging course so anything can happen. I am heading to the driving range to work on a few things and will be ready for tomorrow."
Chih Bing took top honours at the pro-am event yesterday finishing as the best professional after a round of 69 and tournament leader Kwek came home second with a 70. A total of 128 golfers turned out for the event and top amateur for the day was Steven Wemple on count back followed by Nigel Leach.
Professionals from Singapore are joined in this event by three invited professionals from Malaysia, three new professionals playing in their first competition and 12 amateurs including Lion Goh from Laguna Golf and Country Club who shot a one-over round of 73 to finish as top amateur for day one.
Goh said, "I had quite a tough round today but I made a lot of crucial putts with six birdies. It is quite a difficult course with narrow fairways and some of the greens are hard to read.
"This is my second event on OAAG Golf Tour and my best score so far. I hope I can have another good day tomorrow and hopefully finish this event in a good position."
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