World no. 3, Lee Westwood fired a sizzling 12 under par 60, to take a 5 shot lead in the first round of the Thailand Golf Championship.
The Englishman carded 10 birdies and an eagle at the Amata Spring Country Club with American John Daly his closest challenger after a 65.
Westwood racked up 10 birdies and an eagle in his round and was six-under after the opening five holes, equalling the lowest ever score of the Asian Tour.
“It’s one of the best rounds I’ve ever played. I’ve never shot a 60 before,” Westwood said.
Despite his brilliance, Westwood could not hide his disappointment at not dipping below 60 – a fabled mark for any golfer.
Frenchman Gregory Bourdy and home hope Thaworn Wiratchant were joint third, eight shots behind Westwood.
Open champion Darren Clarke rallied on the back nine to record a one-under 71 and it was a day to forget for Spanish star Sergio Garcia, who finished with a disappointing 76.
Thailand Golf Championship – Round 1
Course par: 72
Leaderboard:
-12: Lee WESTWOOD 60
-7 : John DALY 65
-4 : Gregory BOURDY 68
-4 : Thaworn WIRATCHANT 68
-3 : Charl SCHWARTZEL 69
-3 : Michael THOMPSON 69
-3 : Jbe KRUGER 69
-3 : Chris RODGERS 69
-3 : Antonio LASCUNA 69
-3 : Kwanchai TANNIN 69
-3 : Adam GROOM 69
-3 : Scott HEND 69
-3 : Kodai ICHIHARA 69
-3 : Simon DYSON 69
-3 : LU Chien-soon 69
