Sarit sets early pace at Sta. Elena
Thai star fires sparkling 64 to lead International Series Philippines by one
Dubai, UAE - Sarit Suwannarut’s impressive run of form continued on Thursday as the in-form Thai opened with a brilliant eight-under-par 64 to seize the first-round lead at the US$2 million International Series Philippines at Sta. Elena Golf Club.
Starting on the back nine, the 26-year-old reeled off nine birdies against a single bogey to edge Japan’s Kazuki Higa, who returned a bogey-free 65. England’s Richard Bland, Americans Charles Porter and George Kneiser, and Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat were a stroke further back after 66s, while former world No 1 Dustin Johnson impressed with a 67 in his debut appearance in the Philippines.
“It was perfect. I’ve been playing pretty good,” said Sarit, who has finished fourth, tied-11th and tied-ninth in his past three Asian Tour starts. “Before a round I just remind myself that I can hit the shots. The rough is thick here, so you need to be precise. You have to be hitting it well and putting it in good positions.”
Sarit credited a new putter and a recent coaching change for his revival. “A couple of things have happened for me. I put in a new putter in Korea and it started working well. I also changed my coach and the swing changes are getting good,” he added. The two-time International Series winner admitted he relishes competing against the LIV Golf contingent this week. “I’m excited to play with a lot of good players like Dustin and Patrick Reed. I just want to play good golf.”
Higa, already a double champion this season after victories at the Shinhan Donghae Open and Yeangder TPC, was equally pleased with his start. “Seven-under was a little better than what we planned,” he said. “We could have made a couple more putts, but the key was hitting fairways. Playing with Kevin Na and Sam Horsfield was enjoyable, but I know I have to keep making good scores to stay with guys like Dustin and Patrick Reed.”
Johnson, whose 67 featured nine birdies offset by a double-bogey at the 15th, also sounded upbeat. “It was a good atmosphere. Miguel Tabuena and Louis Oosthuizen were great to play with. I hit a lot of good shots and made plenty of birdies. One bad drive cost me, but I’m in a good position for the rest of the week,” said the American.
The International Series Philippines, the sixth stop on the elevated International Series schedule, has attracted one of the strongest fields of the season—and Sarit has made the best possible start.