Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai continued his winning touch in Chinese-Taipei, firing a six-under-par 66 to lead after the opening round of the US$1 million Yeangder TPC on Thursday, September 18.

The 32-year-old, a four-time Asian Tour winner, is also the defending champion at Linkou International Golf & Country Club. Fresh off a win at the Mandiri Indonesia Open three weeks ago, Suteepat once again showed why he thrives on Taiwanese soil.

Suteepat shines in windy conditions

Suteepat jumped to four under through his first four holes with two birdies and an eagle. He kept his composure as wind gusts reached up to 50 kph, making scoring difficult across the field.

His lone blemish came on the fifth hole, but he added three more birdies and saved par on the 18th with a clutch chip-in after trouble near the green.

“I made an incredible start. Four-under after four. The conditions were really tough and very different from last year. It was a case of hanging in there and making putts,” Suteepat said.

He added that his ambition this season is to secure an International Series title, noting: “That would be cool.”

Porter, Tabuena and rising stars in contention

American Charles Porter sits one shot back after a five-under 67. Playing with his mother in attendance, Porter said he felt his late father’s presence on what would have been his 75th birthday.

Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena shot a 68 in the morning session to claim solo third. Japan’s Kazuki Higa, winner of last week’s Shinhan Donghae Open, was in the pack at 69 alongside Chen Yi-tong, Wang Wei-hsuan, Matthew Cheung, Dominic Foos, and Thai duo Nitithorn Thippong and Witchayapat Sinsrang.

Local amateur Hsieh Cheng-wei, 17, delivered a steady 70 to thrill home fans. The teenager, who became the youngest to make an Asian Tour cut in 2022, said: “I think I’ve become a better player now. With my distances and technique, I feel I can compete out here.”