Thailand’s Atiruj Winaicharoenchai handled the blustery conditions at Taiwan Golf & Country Club with poise, carding a five-under-par 67 to claim a one-shot lead after the opening round of the US$1 million Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Thursday.
The 25-year-old from Bangkok produced a composed performance highlighted by five birdies and an eagle, overcoming gusts of up to 40 km/h. Despite a closing bogey at the 18th, he walked away smiling, having positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard.
Close behind was compatriot Jazz Janewattanond, the 2019 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, who signed for a four-under 68. Jazz made six birdies in total but dropped a late shot on the par-three 17th that cost him a share of the lead.
American rookie George Kneiser and Japan’s Yuta Yoshikawa followed two shots further back at two-under. Veteran Scott Hend, a former Order of Merit winner, was tied for fifth with Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai, Itthipat Buranatanyarat, and France’s Joel Stalter after all posted rounds of 71.
Known for its demanding layout and challenging winds, the Mercuries Taiwan Masters rarely sees double-digit under-par winning scores. Yet Atiruj’s composed play, especially on the par-five where he picked up crucial shots, suggested he may have the tools to defy that trend this week.
“I tried to take my chances when they came,” Atiruj said. “The eagle on 15 was lucky, but overall I managed to stay patient and handle the short putts when the wind was gusting hardest.”
Jazz, meanwhile, admitted his strong start came as a surprise given his recent inconsistency. “The game has been up and down lately, so I’m very pleased with this 68,” he said.
For Kneiser, who chipped in twice en route to his 70, the round felt like a bonus. “Honestly, I thought par would be a good score today,” he said. “To come out a couple under is a great feeling.”
As the 39th edition of this storied event unfolds, with only eight players breaking par on Day 1, the stage is set for another week of testing golf in Taiwan’s swirling winds.
About Asian Tour
The Asian Tour represents the pinnacle of professional golf in the region.
Celebrated as the most vibrant, youthful and diverse golf tour in the world, it has built a reputation for intense competition on the course and warm camaraderie off it.
The Tour, which was launched in 2004, is responsible for looking after the best interests of over 350 members, representing 35 countries managing a year-long schedule of events across five continents.
With Asia being the next powerhouse region for golf, the Tour is the steward of its legacy.
Central to its structure is the Asian Tour Order of Merit a points-based player ranking system.
Since 2022, The International Series has featured prominently. Consisting of 10 upper-tier events integrated into the schedule, the landmark initiative provides a pathway to the LIV Golf League via The International Series Rankings.
The Tour is the official sanctioning body for professional golf in the region and a member of the International Federation of PGA Tours. Also, it is an affiliate of The R&A and all sanctioned events qualify for Official World Golf Ranking points.
It controls its television production and distribution through Asian Tour Media (a joint venture with IMG) which broadcasts to over 100 countries worldwide.
The Tour also operates the Asian Development Tour, the popular feeder circuit that nurtures the next generation of stars.
Its eco-system also includes the Qualifying School which attracts over 650 entrants vying for 35 cards for the following season.
In 2018, it set up Asian Tour Destinations an affiliate network with exclusive, world-class golfing venues across the region.
Rolex, Kweichow Moutai and Bluewater are the Tour’s three main partners.
The Tour is headquartered on Sentosa Island in Singapore, home to the award winning Sentosa Golf Club, a member of Asian Tour Destinations.
