Hong Kong teenager Leon D’Souza sets Close Amateur Championship pace with course record
Former Hong Kong Open Amateur champion cards 10 birdies over the New Course at Fanling during nine-under-par 61 first round to move into five shot lead
Hong Kong teenager Leon D’Souza carded a course-record nine-under-par 61 to move into a five shot lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Close Amateur Championship over the New Course at Fanling on Saturday.
D’Souza started his first round at Hong Kong Golf Club, but a total of 10 birdies including six in a row from the fifth hole, certainly made amends.
He leads by five shots from Max Wong Chen-kun and Wu Sho-wai after the pair posted first rounds of four-under 66, with defending champion Terrence Ng a further two shots off the pace.
“It was juts a really good day. My long game was solid, tee shots were solid and I made a few putts on the front nine. Six birdies in a row from five to 10 was awesome,” said 2015 Hong Kong Open Amateur champion D’Souza.
“The back nine was solid, so I am really happy that I was able to finish strong.
“This is my personal tournament record lowest score so far.
“I now need to not keep my expectations so high and just relax tomorrow.”
The winner of the Hong Kong Close Amateur Championship earns a place in this year’s UBS Hong Kong Open.
