Gunn and Ding strike first at SJM Macao Open
Thailand’s Gunn Charoenkul [main picture], helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the US$1million SJM Macao Open today – taking a share of the lead following first-round seven-under-par 63s.
They are in front by a shot from Germany’s Dominic Foos and Australian Jack Thompson, on 64s, here at Macau Golf & Country Club – in the 22nd staging of the Asian Tour event.
Korean Sungjae Im, Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, Indian Pukhraj Singh Gill, plus Ye Wocheng and Bobby Bai from China are a stroke further back following 65s.
Gunn’s round was impeccable: he was bogey-free, made an eagle, and recorded five birdies.
He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season to date, 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, having finished runner-up four times.
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.”
He is presently in 49th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His best finish is joint 12th in the GS Caltex Maekyung Open in Korea in May.
Despite his performance today and runner-up finish 12 months ago, Macau Golf & Country Club has not always been his favourite venue
He added: “Prior to last year, I probably made two cuts, and none of them were above 50th place. I mean, I’m very fond of Macau, and I have some great friends out here, but maybe the course has been not very friendly to me. But since last year, I think probably something has changed, and I’ve come to like the course more and more. So, yeah, finished second last year. Hopefully I can do one better.”
Ding did well to perform at such a high level having flown in from the Spanish Open, managing only three hours sleep last night.
Dominic Foos.
“Honestly, it’s been physically demanding,” he said.
“I only slept three hours last night. I woke up at 4:50 this morning. I tried to sleep around 9 p.m. yesterday but couldn’t fall asleep until about 1 a.m.”
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.
“I was a little bit off after I’ve been to Europe, but I will keep my card.”
He eagled the famous par-five 18th today, his ninth, after hitting a four-iron 240-yards to 20 feet. He also birdied his final hole, the par-fourth ninth, following a wedge to 25 feet.
Ding last played on the Asian Tour at the Indonesian Masters last year. He tied for 13th in one of his first events in the professional game.
Lee Westwood.
During an outstanding amateur career he won the China Amateur Open in 2019, 2020, and 2021, claimed the U.S. Junior Amateur the following year and won a hat-trick of the titles in 2024: the Asia-Pacific Amateur, Amer Ari Invitational, and Southern Amateur. He also tied for seventh as an amateur in the Volvo China Open in 2023.
Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho came in with a 67, while defending champion Rattanon Wannasrichan from Thailand returned a 68. China’s Haotong Li carded a 70.
England’s Lee Westwood, winner of this event back in 1999, has work to do.
The 52-year-old shot a 74 – two more than his 24-year-old son Samuel.
Pictures by Paul Lakatos/IMG.
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