Thongchai cards early 65

Thongchai Jaidee, ranked number three on the current Asian PGA order of merit, gave an early indication of his class as he carded a seven-under-par 65 at the Wills Indian Open Pro-Am, ahead of the US $300,000 Wills Indian Open, to be played at the Classic Golf Resort from March 15-18.

The wind picked up and players had to change their game plan as they attempted to keep control over the ball. The scores ballooned as most golfers carded over-par rounds for the day.

Rodrigo Cuello shot seven-over-par 79 while Wills Indian Open defending champion Jyoti Randhawa headed for the putting green after his round of 76. Also shooting over-par rounds were, Mahindra Order of Merit leader Vijay Kumar, who shot 75, and Mike Cunning, James Kingston and Harmeet Kahlon, who carded 73 each.

However, most players fought hard and were confident of tackling not only the course, but this unexpected development as well.

Playing early this morning, Thongchai’s 65 was better than Prayad Marksaeng - another Thai contender also in good form - who shot a consistent 71.

During the afternoon, Burma’s Zaw Moe went round in 68, two shots better than India’s Arjun Atwal who was happy that the wind had picked up and went on to card a 70.

"I wish the wind keeps blowing like this for the next four days," said Arjun with a big smile on his face.

"The cumulative scores will be better, as it will not be just a putting match."

All of them - including those participating in the stroke play event starting on Thursday - were happy with the condition of the golf course.

"The fairways are playing immaculately and the course is in even better shape than last year," said Sammy Daniels, runner-up here last year, after his round on Wednesday.

American Greg Hanrahan was also happy that the wind, if it lasts, it will change the way the course plays.

"I hope the wind blows like this everyday because then it will put a premium on accurate ball striking and will take away a little bit of advantage from the long hitters."

Also playing the Pro-Am was John Uzielle, Captain R&A, who was appreciative of the greens.

"These greens are holding the line really well and if you putt correctly, you just can’t miss. I think the scores should be very low this week."

Director of golf operations, John D Volz was also quite satisfied that the weather had increased the challenge.

"The wind certainly has made the course difficult to gage, the 18th hole plays down wind, which makes it easy for players where as the seventh will play longer as players have to play into the wind."

He added: "Players have had to play high, lofted shots to reach the greens and in this wind, the ball is difficult to control. Furthermore, the greens are much faster than last year and the rough is quite deep and thick. It is definitely not an easy day for amateurs."

The final field for the tournament was also confirmed on Tuesday evening. Current APGA order of merit leader, Charlie Wi could not make the flight out to India after he lost his passport. Also missing the Wills Indian Open will be qualifying school winner Ted Oh and APGA tour veteran, Boonchu Ruangkit.

Meanwhile, Thongchai Jaidee, ranked third on the current order of merit, alongwith Thai golfers Chawalat Plaphol, Thamanoon Sriroj, Prayad Marksaeng, Americans Craig Kamps, Robert Huxtable, Mike Cunning, Aaron Meeks, South Africans Hendrik Buhrmann and Nico Van Rensburg, Felix Casas from the Phillipines and Burmese golfers, Kyi Hla Han and Zaw Moe will tee it up at the Classic Golf Resort, Ridge course, tomorrow.