UAE's Jonathan Selvaraj in action on the golf course. - Photo aesgc.golf Instagram

The UAE’s Jonathan Selvaraj fired an opening round of two-under-par 70, securing a tie for third place in the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation’s (APGC) Nomura Cup this week at Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Selvaraj, 20, who clinched the 2023-24 Emirates Golf Federation’s (EGF) Men’s Order of Merit, shared his thoughts with Khaleej Times after his round. “The golf course posed a significant challenge. Narrow fairways, closely guarded pins, and gusty winds made for a difficult test,” he said. “I played reasonably well; my ball striking was solid, and my dispersion was well controlled. However, I missed several putts, which could have lowered my score significantly. I’m eager for the rest of the week.” Selvaraj added, “It’s a privilege to represent the UAE in international tournaments, and I aim to do so to the best of my ability in the coming days.”

Selvaraj began his round on hole 10 with a two-tee start, reaching three under par after seven holes. He finished the front nine with a bogey on hole nine, ending at 34. On the back nine, he recorded a birdie-bogey sequence on holes 5 and 6, concluding with a level par 36. The Nomura Cup, also known as the APGC Team Championship, is a biennial amateur team golf championship for men. The UAE currently ranks ninth in the Team Division, with 36 holes remaining in this best-two-from-three format each day. Saudi Arabia is in 16th place. The UAE team also includes Ahmad Skaik and Sam Mullane. China leads the Team Division at two under par after round one, with host Vietnam trailing by just one shot in second place.

This year’s Nomura Cup is being contested at the Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong – Marsh Course. Measuring 7,508 yards and par 72, the Marsh Course is renowned for its challenging marshy terrain. The final six holes include five with water hazards, ensuring a demanding finish. The participating countries are Australia, China, Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong (China), India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, and hosts Vietnam. For live scoring, visit: Sgolf Live score giải đấu.