Four players share a one-stroke lead after a challenging opening round of the Toyota Tour's Alphard Cup at Penang Golf Resort (PGR).
Asian Tour veterans Ben Leong and Khor Kheng Hwai are among the quartet who carded two-under 70s in the eighth leg of the Toyota Tour. Joining them are Afif Razif and recent professional Chan Khai Zhane, who finished joint second in last month’s Toyota Tour Qualifying School at Kota Seriemas GCC.
The PGR layout posed a stern challenge to the field, with wet conditions making the long course play even longer and greens contoured enough to unsettle even the steadiest hands.
In fifth place are Malcolm Ting and Afif Fathi, while Galven Green, Marcus Lim, Tony Lam, and Nick Ang sit another stroke back at even par. Tied for 11th are Airil Rizman, Daeng Rahman, Edven Ying, Kim Leun Kwang, and Wafiyuddin Manaf.
“The greens are really tricky,” remarked Green, a two-time Toyota Tour winner this year. “I couldn’t make anything on the front nine and instead had two bogeys.” He recovered on the back nine with birdies on the par-5 10th and par-4 13th.
Leong, who won the Fortuner Cup in Sibu in June, said he played to his strengths and was satisfied with his performance from tee to green.
Last month’s Harrier Cup champion Fakhrul Akmal and Hilux Cup winner Nasrullah Zulkifli both carded two-over 74s, tying for 16th alongside veterans Shaifubari Muda, Syakir Adli, Wilson Choo, and Ezmeer Merican. Order of Merit leader Paul San ended the day tied for 34th after shooting a four-over 76.
The tournament was delayed by two hours due to heavy overnight rain that left some holes flooded. Tee-off began at 9:30 a.m., with the rest of the day played under clear skies. The tour is organized by Professional Golf Malaysia and delivered by MST Golf.
In the Ladies Championship, Zulaikah Nasser overcame a double bogey on her final hole to lead the strongest field of the year by one stroke, finishing with an even-par 72.
Tied for second are 2023 Order of Merit winner Aretha Pan and Jocelyn Chee at one-over, while Liyana Durisic sits in fourth place.
Zulaikah, who won the Harrier Cup in Kuantan two weeks ago, said she played well for most of the round but struggled with her second and third shots on the par-5 18th.
“I ended up in the trees with my second shot and had to chip back onto the fairway,” she explained. “But I didn’t execute it well, and when I tried to find the green with my fourth shot, I landed in a bunker. Five on, two putts—definitely spoiled my scorecard.”
Despite the setback, Zulaikah remains optimistic. “Being in this position gives me confidence going forward,” said the 22-year-old, who turned professional in August.
Leading Round 1 Scores
Men's
70 (-2) Ben Leong, Khor Kheng Hwai, Afif Razif, Chan Khai Zhane
71 (-1) Malcolm Ting, Afif Fathi
72 (Even) Marcus Lim, Galven Green, Tony Lam, Nick Ang
73 (+1) Airil Rizman, Edven Ying, Kim Leun Kwang, Daeng Rahman, Wafiyuddin Manaf
74 (+2) Shaifubari Muda, Fakhrul Akmal, Nasrullah Zulkifli, Syakir Adli, Wilson Choo, Ezmeer Merican, Hui Yong Sherng, Ikhmal Basry, Azry Asyraf
Ladies
72 (Even) Zulaikah Nasser
73 (+1) Jocelyn Chee, Aretha Pan
74 (+2) Liyana Durisic
75 (+3) Geraldine Wong
