Dean Burmester overcame a double-bogey six on Thursday to card a two-under-par 69 in the first round of the Asian Tour’s International Series England event at Close House near Newcastle.
Burmester made the double drop on the second hole, following a birdie on the first, but there were no more drops on the card and three more birdies as he finished the first round in a share of sixth place. He was three shots off the lead which was held at five-under by Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand. Suwannarut led by one from Jason Kokrak of the United States and Korean Jaewoong Eom.
Behind Burmester, Jaco Ahlers carded a one-under-par 70 to be in a share of 16th with, amongst others, Neil Schietekat. MJ Viljone opened with a level-par 71 for a share of 40th, while Jbe’ Kruger was one-over in a share of 58th. Ian Snyman battled to a three-over 74 and was in a share of 88th.
