Mardan buoyant after a two-under 68
Singapore No. 1 three shots off pace among early finishers
Mardan Mamat kept his focus despite a morning fog delay at the Omega European Masters in Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland yesterday.
The Singapore No. 1 shot a two-under 68 to boost his chances of making the cut at the $4 million event.
He lies three shots back of the clubhouse leaders at the Swiss showpiece, which is the only event to be jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour on European soil since 2009.
Mardan, who teed off with Italian Matteo Mannasaro and South African George Coetzee, shot five birdies against three bogeys.
He was in buoyant mood after his round, saying: "It was nice to finish with a birdie on the last hole.
"I hit the ball very well and just missed a few putts. The score could have been better, but I'll take a two under for my opening round.
"We should always come here during this time of the year as the weather's nice. We are used to only wearing one piece of clothing and, when it's cold, we have to put on several layers.
"We might not get too used to it and, for that, it is nice to be able to dress comfortably on the course this week.
"We had a fog delay this morning. It was not too cold and it managed to clear in time for us to restart.
"I'm here with my wife Naz and having Turkish Airlines sponsor my flight just adds to it being a more memorable week for us."
After rueing his bogey on the fourth hole (back nine) when he three-putted from 20 feet, Mardan was elated over his finishing-hole birdie on the par-five.
"I hit a driver and rescue wood, then a 58-degree wedge saw my ball land two feet from the pin, and I made an easy putt," added Mardan.
The four clubhouse leaders are Danny Willett, Seve Benson, Richard Bland and Jazz Janewattananond on 65.
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