When was the last time die-hard Golf buffs got to see some magic on the Golf course? Golf lovers who witnessed the Royal Cup tournament on Day 1 at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand, were in for a visual treat as five players carded four-under-par 67 to share the lead. 

 

 

 

                                         India's star Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar recently got hitched 

 

 

To put things into perspective, 27 golfers are within three shots of the lead.

 

Newlywed Gaganjeet Bhullar of India enjoyed a bogey free round, highlighted by birdies on holes six, seven, 10 and 11. The 29-year-old Indian did not have ample time to prepare for the US$500,000 tournament as he arrived in Thailand the previous night. However, he played on the same course last year and after five holes, he adapted to the set up.

 

 

Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand was in a similar situation as Bhullar and enjoyed a similar result. The Thai hotshot did not let the wet course conditions affect his swing and rhythm, as he traded five birdies against just one bogey to sign for a 67.

 

 

 

                                         Thailand's Jazz showcased a lot of grit

 

 

Shiv Kapur of India got jolted into a competitive mindset after his bogey on the 14th, his fifth hole of the round. Kapur, who recently welcomed the birth of his daughter, went on to card four birdies over seven holes before stringing a series of pars to close the round.

 

 

Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand started his tournament in magnificent fashion as he carded two birdies and an eagle to score a 31 at the turn. His back nine though, was relatively less dramatic. He missed out on closing the day with the outright lead after bogeying the 18th. 

 

 

Compatriot Raththee Sirithanakunsak stood out as the only golfer to score two eagles on Thursday. He did so at two par-five holes, the sixth and 16th. The 28-year-old golfer, who also carded three birdies, would have had a sensational round if not for the bogeys on second, seventh and 17th.