KOREAN Sung Hwan Yoon set the bar high early as he scored an eagle-spiked 70 to lead by two strokes over compatriot Mun Jae Hyeong at the start of the WWWExpress-DHL Amateur Golf Championships at Cangolf’s north course in Laguna yesterday.
Sung, playing out of Manila Southwoods, overcame a two-over card after three holes with two birdies and an eagle-2 on No. 8 for a 35. He then sustained his form at the back with a two-birdie, one-bogey stint to turn in the lone under-par card.
Mun survived the windy day with a steady game with the Royal Northwoods’ mainstay finishing without a bogey for a 72 as the Koreans primed up to defend the crown won by their compatriot Wang Jeung Hun of Riviera last year.
Forest Hill’s Inigo Raymundo recovered from a disastrous 40 start with a closing 35 as he tied John Kier Abdon at 75 while Jan Philippe De Claro of Ochard carded two 38s for a four-way tie at 76.
The other four-over par scorers were from Joey Huerva of Cangolf, Jonar Austria of Forest Hills and Del Monte’s Magno Arancon.
Meanwhile, five players remained within striking distance, including Cebuano golfer Gio Gandionco of the Cebu Country Club, who carded a 78.
“I didn’t play so good today. I made some swing changes last week and I’m still kind of working on it,” said Gandionco.
Meanwhile, action in the girls’ side of the event, begins today with Lovelynn Guioguio shooting for back-to-back wins against ICTSI teammates Dottie Ardina, Daniella Uy, Sarah Ababa, Jayvie Agojo, Princess Superal, Sunshine Baraquiel, last year’s runner-up Andie Unson. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio