Rumford makes a brilliant start at ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth

RUMFORD MAKES A BRILLIANT START AT THE ISPS HANDA WORLD SUPER 6 PERTH

The defending champion continued his tournament-winning form at Lake Karrinyup Country Club, carding seven birdies before making the turn at the 18^th hole. He made bogeys at the first and third holes, but recovered with three more birdies before ending his round.

Lee Westwood of England, who was playing in the same group as Rumford, kept the leader in his sights at the A$1.75 million (approximately US$1.25 million) event. He carded one eagle, five birdies and a lone bogey for a 66 to grab a share of second place with Australia’s James Nitties.

Nine players shot matching 67s to share fourth place. They including Asian Tour members Nicholas Fung of Malaysia as well as Thais Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat.

Fung’s putting has plagued his game recently but it was on point in the opening round of the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth. He only took 24 putts while scoring seven birdies against two bogeys.  

Kiradech flew into Perth the evening prior to the tournament and did commendably well despite not being able to practice. He started the round with five birdies in his first six holes and he was able to bounce back immediately after every bogey.

Prom attributed his bogey-free round to the favourable wind condition and his sound course management. He missed only two fairways and three greens the entire round, which was highlighted by five birdies scored on the first, fourth, ninth, 11th and 13th.

Zandar Lombard made an albatross at the par-five 15th hole with a 2-iron from 210 yards. This is the 26th albatross on the Asian Tour and the second this year.

The ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth event, tri-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, European Tour and Asian Tour, is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism WA.