Thailand’s Atiruj Winaicharoenchai took full advantage of his early start in the Laguna Phuket Open today, posting a seven under par 63 in light wind conditions to secure an early clubhouse lead.

However, despite the heavier conditions in the afternoon, countryman Nopparat Panichphol was up to the challenge, opening his round with three birdies to chase down the lead in the rain.

“I made a good start,” said Nopparat after his round. ” It was very windy but I was driving the ball well, hitting the center fairway and getting the ball on the green. The only trouble I had was on the fifth hole when I pushed my drive left and ended up with a bogey.”

“My putting was good today,” he added, “only 27 putts and hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow.”

Nopparat Panichphol (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)

“I played pretty good today, happy with the day,” said Atiruj after his round. “Driving, putting and iron play was all good especially the putting. The greens are tricky here and difficult to read, and you have to watch the grain.”

“I’ve played here a few times and I like the course, it was in good condition today. There was a bit of wind, but in the morning not too strong. Wind is picking up though and it might rain later, so I’m happy that I played early,” he added.

“My driving was OK, but I had a lucky break on hole 7. Pulled my drive and it hit the cart path but I was lucky it only landed in the rough and I was able to make birdie.”

Naraajie Ramadhanputra of Indonesia (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)

Thailand’s Arnond Vongvanij was another of the afternoon starters to master the weather conditions, posting a bogey free round of 64 to secure solo third place. He edged compatriots Varanyu Rattanaphiboonkij and Nirun Sae-Ueng down one spot after their early rounds of five under par. Thailand’s Warun Ieamgaew later joined them in fourth as the day drew to a close.

Indonesia’s Naraajie Ramadhanputra leads a group in seventh place with a four under par 66, joined by Australia’s Jack Murdoch, Joe Heraty of England and the Thai pair of Jakkanat Inmee and Charng-Tai Sudsom.

Fadhli Soetarso of Indonesia, Malaysia’s Paul San and Englishman Matt Killen are the remaining visitors in the top third of the leaderboard on three under, where they are placed with a strong Thailand contingent, including Asian Tour regulars Poom Saksansin, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Natipong Srithong.

The Singha Laguna Phuket Open, which is jointly sanctioned with the All Thailand Golf Tour (ATGT), offers prize money of THB4 million (approximately US$117,000).

Main photo: Atiruj Winaicharoenchai of Thailand (Photo courtesy All Thailand Golf Tour)