Jaco Ahlers was part of a five-way share of the lead on Thursday after the first round of the Asian Tour’s Mercuries Taiwan Masters at Taiwan Golf & Country Club in New Taipei City after he carded a three-under-par 69.
Also opening with 69s were defending champion and hometown favourite Chan Shih-chang, veteran Angelo Que of the Philippines, India’s Chikkarangappa S. and Dodge Kemmer of the United States. They were a single stroke ahead of four players on two-under-par, including Scotland’s David Drysdale.
Players have said the course is excellent but punishing, due to exceptionally narrow fairways and deep rough, as Ahlers acknowledged. Said the South African, who is playing the tournament for the first time: “It was good, played solid, and putted nicely. It’s an interesting golf course – you have to be patient. Made some nice short putts, birdied the par-fives.”
Ahlers, an 11-time winner on the Sunshine Tour, including their Tour Championship in April, has been a regular feature on the leaderboards in Asia this year and is once again pressing for a first win in the region.
Jbe’ Kruger opened with a one-over-par 73 and a share of 28th, and Neil Schietekat signed for a two-over 74 and a share of 46th. Ian Snyman was in a share of 86th after a five-over-par 78.
