Defending champion Justin Rose was a shot off the lead when bad weather halted the first round of the Indonesian Masters.
The world number two, who will end 2018 back on top spot if he finishes higher than 12th in Jakarta, was five under through 14 holes when lightning led to a suspension of play.
Play has been abandoned for the day. Resumption at 6.20am local time on Friday.#IM2018 pic.twitter.com/3EarcrfAf1
— Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) December 13, 2018
American John Caitlin and Korea’s Lee Sung-ho were both in the clubhouse on six under having shot 66 in their opening rounds at the Asian Tour event. Sweden’s Henrik Stenson, who had also completed his round, was one of five players to card 67.
Rose, who had four birdies and an eagle on his card, will return on Friday morning along with 61 other players to play the remaining first round holes before the second round begins.
Easy does it!@JustinRose99 eagles ninth to move within one.#IM2018 pic.twitter.com/qx7IOwNNxI — Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) December 13, 2018
Caitlin, playing alongside Stenson, carded seven birdies while Lee overcame bogeys on the first and 10th by picking up shots on eight different holes.
Caitlin revealed afterwards he was inspired by his playing partners.
#IM2018@catlinjohn emerged tops in his marquee pairings when he signed for a solid 66 to grab a share of clubhouse lead at the BNI Indonesian Masters. — Asian Tour (@asiantourgolf) December 13, 2018
He told www.asiantour.com: “Henrik’s a really nice guy and I’ve known Anirban (Lahiri) for about four years. It was nice to play with them and to see good shots. When you see other guys making birdies, that kind of pushes you.
“Everyone was texting me and saying, ‘Oh you’re playing with Henrik,’ but for me, I was just more excited to watch good golf.”
Stenson, who is playing the event for the first time, said: “All in all I kept it fairly tidy and did not make too many mistakes. It is a good start.”
