(Hong Kong, 5 December 2013) Irishman David Higgins racked up nine birdies in a superb six under par 64 to lead the first round of the Hong Kong Open.
The 41 year old, who finished 115th in The 2013 Race to Dubai, missing out on retaining his full playing rights by five spots, is one shot ahead of Italian Andrea Pavan at Hong Kong Golf Club, which this week is celebrating hosting the event for the 55th consecutive year.
Higgins was delighted with his opening effort, which he signed off by birdieing the last, on a course known for being tight and tricky.
“It’s my type of track,” he said. “You have to be very precise with your iron shots, be a good putter, have a good short game and keep it on the fairway. So it suits me perfectly. It’s the type of course I grew up playing, where it’s almost linksy. You have to be careful as the ball runs out and runs off the edges of greens.
“The end of the year was disappointing for me. I didn’t keep my full playing rights but I still have some, so I’m going to have chances and every time I get a chance, I’ve got to make the most of it.
“This is a great start. I still have a long way to go, so we won’t get ahead of ourselves, but I’m delighted with today.”
Pavan, the 2013 Challenge Tour Number One, continued his promising form from the last two weeks to notch six birdies and a bogey.
“I started off well and hit it close many times on my front nine, starting from the 11th. I was four under and playing pretty flawless golf, but I made a few mistakes towards the end. Overall though it’s a good round and I’m pleased.
“Last year was a good year, so that brings you confidence. You want to always improve, and I know that I’m moving in the right direction.”
Seven players are another shot back at four under, and defending champion Miguel Angel Jiménez opened with a level par 70.
David Higgins of Ireland carded a superb round of six-under 64 that included nine birdies, and three in row at holes 16, 17 and 18 on day one of the 55th Hong Kong Open
David Higgins of Ireland carded a superb round of six-under 64 that included nine birdies, and three in row at holes 16, 17 and 18 on day one of the 55th Hong Kong Open
Chinese sensation Guan Tianliang completed day one of his first Hong Kong Open at 69th place after carding a one-over-par round of 71