Jakarta: Johannes Veerman of the United States returned to familiar grounds as he carded a six-under-par 66 to share the first-round lead with Matthew Millar at the US$500,000 Indonesia Open yesterday.
The 26-year-old Veerman, who started his round on the 10th tee box, swung into high gear after shooting three consecutive birdies from holes 16 to 18. The only blemish on his scorecard was a bogey on the par-three fifth hole of the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
"It was a morning round, so the conditions were perfect and the wind was not blowing," said Veerman.
"My goal for the day was to be patient because with the way the course conditions were, everyone is going to make birdies. So, you'll have to stay patient. The greens are fast, so you don't want to get too aggressive and be in the rough for your second shot."
Veerman credited his excellent round to his intimate knowledge of the golf course as well as the calming effect that his wife, who is caddying for him this week, has on him.
Millar sunk four consecutive birdies from holes four to seven.
"I was on the fairways the whole day, so that gave me chances to hit good shots. All in all, it was a combination effort; my driving, and everything was decent," said the Australian.
Paul Peterson of the United States maintained his good form at the Indonesia Open as he signed for a 67 to finish one shot behind the leaders.
He ended the day in tied-third with compatriots Kurt Kitayama and Dodge Kemmer, Indians Udayan Mane and Khalin Joshi, and South Africa's Justin Harding.
Pasavee Lertvilai and Natipong Srithong were the best Thais after rounds of 68. They were in a group of 10 players at tied-ninth.
Defending champion Panuphol Pittayarat carded a 70 to finish in tied-32nd.
