CARMONA, Cavite— Sadom Kaewkanjana put on a masterclass in precision and poise, firing a bogey-free five-under-par 65 to seize a one-shot lead after the opening round of the $500,000 Smart Infinity Philippine Open at the challenging Manila Southwoods on Thursday.
“I played very solid today and had many opportunities for birdies,” said the 26-year-old Thai, a two-time Asian Tour winner, who missed just one fairway and one green in a performance that outshone the rest of the field.
Trailing Kaewkanjana by a stroke were compatriots Danthai Boonma and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who both carded 66s, alongside Swede Aaron Wilkin, who narrowly missed joining the lead after failing to birdie the par-5 eighth late in the day.
Local struggles
The Philippines’ top bets had a rough day on the windswept layout. Miguel Tabuena, a two-time PH Open champion, limped home with a 74, marred by a double bogey and five bogeys. “It was one of those days,” Tabuena admitted. “I wasn’t as sharp as I wanted to be. Anything under par tomorrow would give me a chance to make the weekend.”
Angelo Que, the 2008 champion, also struggled, signing for a 75 that included two double bogeys. “Good thing is that there’s still a second round to be played,” said Que, remaining optimistic despite the tough start.
Lady amateur Rianne Malixi, turning 18 in March, endured what she called a “brutal day,” finishing with a 75. “I just had four bad holes, and that practically was my round,” said Malixi, who knows she’ll need to sharpen her game to avoid missing the halfway cut.
Bright spots
Young local pros Aidric Chan and Sean Ramos provided some hope for the home crowd, each returning solid 68s to stay within striking distance. Justin delos Santos, a standout on the Japan Tour, settled for a 70, lamenting missed birdie chances. “I sure left a couple of strokes out there today,” said Delos Santos.
As the second round looms, Kaewkanjana’s flawless start sets the tone, with a strong international field looking to mount a charge on Friday.