Blake goes crazy for the historic 63
Blake Windred on his way to an opening 63 at the AAC 2019. (Photo: AAC)
Live scores, tee times and more for the AAC 2019
Blake Windred produced the best lap of his life on Thursday and the lowest opening day score the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship has ever seen.
The 21-year-old from Newcastle was crazy about Sheshan International and made a bogey-free 9-under-63 that got him two off the field through 18 holes.
"That's actually the lowest lap I've ever shot," said Windred. "I will remember that for a long time.
"I just felt that I could go to any flag … I talk to my coaches about it because they are just unlimited and there is no limit to the number of birdies you can make.
"You can probably beak every hole I guess there. Yes, nine is good.
“I didn't even know I had done the last four birdies until I drew the score card. I just enjoyed it so much and I'm just devastated by its end. "
Four birdies in his first seven were followed by another on the 10th, before World No.11 dived back to the clubhouse with birdies on each of the last four holes.
"The first nine, I had trouble getting the pace," said Windred.
“I just felt that I could have rolled in a few more. I am so happy that I remained patient and did not start forcing because I knew I had the lines. I hit fairways.
“In the back of my mind I really thought there might be a six or a seven. I didn't really think nine. "
View the highlights of Blake Windred's stunning 63
After making the turn, Windred picked up a slippery three-meter putt from the hill at 10 o'clock to climb to five below.
At that stage he tried to jump into Junhong Park, but as the day got longer, the Korean had zero chance to keep pace with Windred.
A two-meter putt for the bird dropped to 15 before an even longer attempt was curled home for a seventh bird of the day at the next hole.
Windred hit his tee-shot pin-high on the par-3 17 to one meter and converted three in a row.
Although he was forced to get up on the 18th par-5, Windred left himself a little over two feet before birdie No. 9 in the last hole and rammed him home, topping an extraordinary opening day in what would be his last can be amateur tournament.
His new life as a professional is waiting for him if he does not live the silverware on Sunday.
But if he can build on his lead in the opening round and win, nothing will stop Windred from remaining amateur and playing in the 2020 Masters and The 149th Open.
"This week was the main priority and that's how it has been last year," said Windred.
"I kind of marked this in the diary and said that this is the great one.
“There is no sugar coating – I have to win and that's all. There is no other option. "
View Blake & # 39; s full press conference
Hearing of Jack Thompson, Nathan Barbieri & Karl Vilips
