dyton mupawaenda
SCOTT VINCENT of Zimbabwe, a golfer in his ninth year of the Asian Tour, has emerged as a frontrunner to break the “20-year winless foreign player” chain at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open, his first in seven years.
Having tasted the bitterness of failing to make the cut seven years ago, he vowed to win this tournament based on his experience and confidence.
He tied for third with four-under 67 with five birdies and one bogey in the first round of the 44th GS Caltex Maekyung Open at Nam Seoul Country Club (par 71) in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province on the 2nd.
Vincent, one stroke behind Ahn Sung-hyun and Jang Hee-min (five-under 66), who tied for the lead, ranked highest with David Boribunseob (Thailand) among foreign players.
It started off smoothly for the first time in 21 years since Mark Calcavecchia of the US in 2004.
Vincent, who met after the game, said, “South Seoul CC has to think more than other golf courses. On these golf courses, you always analyse the situation, and you may have to play defensively because you don’t want to hit on the fast green.
“But I’m happy to be back, and I’m satisfied with the good results,” he said with a big smile.
Vincent, who had only played eight holes in the afternoon group due to lightning and rainfall the previous day, had to play the remaining 10 holes in the morning of the tournament first.
Despite playing early in the morning, Vincent said, “I was quite lucky (to be able to cut back on my at-bats). The wind was cold, but the weather was perfect. “I’m excited to play a few hours after the first round,” he said, accepting the situation positively. Vincent, who has been on the Asian Tour since 2017, has won the 2022 International Series England, recording one career victory on the tour. – mk.co.kr.
Online Reporter