JAKARTA, Indonesia – Defending champion Lee Westwood shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Indonesian Masters.
The third-ranked Englishman opened his round with three consecutive birdies and added six more at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, along with two bogeys.
Arnond Vongvanij of Thailand shot a bogey-free 67 for second place.
Six golfers were another shot back in a tie for third, including Indian duo Jyoti Randhawa and Shiv Kapur.
Westwood took last week off after finishing third at the Masters, and said he felt rejuvenated after getting some rest.
''I had a break last week and hardly hit any balls,’' he said. ''I played a lot of golf earlier this year and needed a rest. It was good to go home and recharge my batteries because the Masters always takes a lot out of you.’'
Arnond had birdies on the second and third holes and added three more on the back nine.
Three-time Asian Tour champion Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand had four bogeys and one double bogey on his way to a 75.