Nordea Masters R1: Shiv 72 & Jeev 71

Report by Anand Datla

June 04, 2015: Jeev Milkha Singh will enjoy a pleasant evening in Malmo after closing the first round of the Nordea Masters with a 71. The 43 year old is eager to rediscover his best game and a solid start at the PGA Sweden National should do the veteran Indian a world of good. The other Indian in the fray – Shiv Kapur – signed off with an even 72, but at T61 he will have to work hard on Friday to avoid missing yet another weekend.

Jens Dantorp and Chris Paisley lead the charge after both men made 67 in the first round. The most impressive effort though, came from amateur golfer Marcus Kinhult who joined the front of the leaderboard with a matching 67.

Singh started his day with a fine birdie at the par-5 first hole, but he dropped back to even terms when he conceded a shot at the par-3 4th hole. That is where his card remained as he got on a par streak that lasted nine holes through to the 13th.

At the par-4 14th hole, Singh made the second bogey of the day to drop to one over with four to play. Singh, still ranked on 1007th on the OWGR burst ahead with two birdies in the final three holes to sneak up the order at the tail end of his round.

After canceling out his birdie at the 3rd hole with a bogey at the next, Kapur needed an even 36 shots to traverse the front nine at this wonderful golf club just outside Malmo.

Kapur started the back nine with a five at the par-4 tenth hole to drop over par. But the 327th ranked golfer recovered quickly to gain a shot at the 11th and signed off with seven straight pars to sign off on a 72.

Defending champion Thongchai Jaidee had a forgettable start to his title defense, starting in T84 with a 73 in the first round.

Amateur golfer Kinhult may only be ranked 1273 in the world, but he played with an assurance that betrayed his status. After slipping to two bogeys at the 4th and 6th holes, the 18 year old golfer shot six birdies between the 9th and 18th to finish the day on a high.

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