KUALA LUMPUR: A neck injury may have forced golfer Nicolas Colsaerts to retire from the second round of the Houston Open two weeks ago, but his luck seems to have changed.
The long journey to Kuala Lumpur is paying off for the big-hitting Belgian who rediscovered some of his best form at the Maybank Malaysian Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, shooting a six-under 66 on the opening day.
Colsaerts, who started early, hit three straight birdies from the 14th hole before adding three more birdies on his homeward nine.
He will be pleased to have out-balanced two bogeys on his card.
”A bit of patience. It’s funny ... I waited for a round like this since Jan 1.
”I just kept my momentum going and made a few bounce-backs. I parred the two par-fives on the front which is a bit disappointing but I kept very patient and that, in the end, was what made a difference.
”I kept it going on the front nine and hit a lot of shots very close. It was pretty good to have a few birdies from very close range,” said the 31-year-old Ryder Cup star, who added that the plan here is to regain some momentum and confidence.
Chasing a first European Tour title since taking the 2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship, Colsaerts was also satisfied with the course conditions.
”I played here a bunch of times and it’s always one of the nicer stops in Asia.
”I have played pretty well here over the years and even though it’s hot, you learn to deal with it.
“The course is in fantastic shape, just like any other year. It was also good to get the round done today as you never know when the storm is going to come,” he quipped.
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