Sang-Hyun Park leading first round at ISPS Honda Global Cup
June 23,2016: Korea’s Park Sang-hyun enjoyed a promising start at the ISPS Handa Global Cup when he fired an eight-under-par 63 to take the first round lead at the Tokinodai Country Club on Thursday.
Thailand’s Piya Swangarunporn carded a 64 to take second place while Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo shook off the effects of jet lag by posting a 65 to take outright third place.
10 players including Major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland and Japan’s Yuta Ikeda are among the 10 players bunched in tied-fourth on 66.
Park got off the blocks quickly with birdies on holes four and nine to reach the turn in 33.
He then stormed back to the clubhouse with a sensational inward-nine that was highlighted with four birdies and an eagle on the par-five 16.
“I felt so good with my putting today. I was very confident with my putting especially those within 10m.
“I am playing well this year. Having tasted victory in Korea, I’m looking forward to a win abroad especially in Japan.,’ said Park who has already won once on home soil at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in May.
Meanwhile Grillo is hoping his calculated approach towards a grandstand finish will pay off on Sunday.
“I was feeling a little tired especially on the back-nine. Maybe it was because of the time difference. But overall I’m happy with the day’s score.
“This is my second visit to Japan. I last played here during the Junior world cup where I was maybe 15 or 16 years old. I played little conservative today on back nine because I know I still have lots of hole to play until Sunday,” said Grillo.
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