Shubhankar in cruise mode as Bronson Burgoon fires at CIMB Classic

By Rahul Banerji

Shubhankar Sharma authored a strong recovery even as big-hitting Texan Bronson Burgoon led with a nine-under par 63 at the $7 million CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Sharma, one of four Indians n the field, was tied 14^th with a five-under 67. Ganagjeet Bhullar was two shots behind while Anirban Lahiri was undone by two double bogeys late in his round to card a level par 72.

Rahil Ganjee went five over 77 in his first round at TPC Kuala Lumpur.

On a day that saw the PGA Tour season’s first hole in one and some close to the pin hitting, Burgoon emerged as the surprise leader.

Accurate play

Danny Lee aced the par-3 fourth hole while Burgoon came back from a shaky first four holes to blitz the course. In all he had eight birdies, an eagle and a bogey to lie one shot ahead of Austin Cook.

Bunched together in tied third were Scott Piercy, Billy Horschel and C.T. Pan on seven-under 65s.

International Presidents Cup team captain and World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els opened with a 4-under 68.

Eight players including 2015 and 2016 champion Justin Thomas were tied in sixth place with 66s.

Late run

Sharma, 21, who will play all three PGA Tour events in Asia, started with a birdie but never really got going on the front nine before coming back with five birdies on the back nine.

“The way I played the front nine, I would have been happy to just finish with an under-par score,” he said later.

“Things just clicked on the back nine and five-under was really a bonus.

“I am very satisfied with the start. But I think I need to shoot at least five-under par on all four days to be in contention. This course is gettable and we can see lots of low scores already.”

Bhullar was even-par after eight holes and it was a birdie on the ninth that kicked off his run.

“This is a marathon and I am happy that I have made a steady start. I am playing very well and hit about 15 greens in regulation,” Bhullar said.

“All I have to do is improve on this score each day.”

Also read: Anirban Lahiri keen to start new PGA season on upbeat note