Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul, helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the SJM Macao Open today, taking a share of the clubhouse lead following seven-under-par 63s.

They lead by a shot from Germany’s Dominic Foos here at Macau Golf & Country Club, with Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut a stroke further back – after the morning session.

Gunn’s impeccable round was bogey-free, and he made an eagle, and five birdies.

He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season so far, he got the pick me up he needed by going on social media this morning,

“Very happy with today. Started the day by stumbling on a clip on Instagram from Tom Kim,” said the 33-year-old, who is looking for his first victory on the Asian Tour.

Ding Wenyi. 

“I think it kind of summarised what he’s been doing the whole of this year. And, you know, practicing a lot does not mean the results are good. So that kind of unlocked something in me, I guess.

“I’ve been grinding really hard, harder than last year, you know, expecting better results, but it’s not coming. So, I let it all go today, relaxed and then had some lucky breaks out there. I think my mind was more free out there, so I think that’s why I played better golf out there as well.”

Ding did well to perform at such a high level having flown in from the Spanish Open, managing only three hours sleep last night.

Like Gunn, he started on the back nine, and also made an eagle, as well as six birdies and one just one dropped shot.

The 20-year-old turned professional at the end of last year and has been playing on the DP World Tour. This week marks is first start of the season on the Asian Tour.

He said: “Great to be back here. I always play better in my home country. I didn’t do really well this year. The young generation over there are very strong and the courses are hard.

Dominic Foos.

“I was a little bit off after I’ve been to Europe, but I will keep my card.”

He eagled the famous par-five 18^th today, his ninth, after hitting a four-iron 240-yard to 20 feet. He also birdied his final hole, the par-fourth ninth, following a wedge to 25 feet.

Defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan from Thailand retuned a 68.

England’s Lee Westwood, winner of this event back in 1999, has work to do after a 74, two more than his son Sam.

Picture by Paul Lakatos/IMG.