Kim and Wood Lead in the Clubhouse as Play is Suspended in Singapore

Chris Wood and Bi-o Kim shot identical (-8) 63’s to share the lead at the Barclays Singapore Open.  Half the field was still on the course when play was suspended due to darkness after a storm rolled through stopping play for four hours on day one.

The wet weather certainly made for easy scoring during round one as 24 players sat at (-5) or better when play was called for the day.  The group included US Open champion Graeme McDowell who blazed out of the gates and sits at (-5) thru 8 holes.

The inclement weather didn’t stop the bookmakers from adjusting things as things move to day two in Singapore.  With McDowell’s hot start, he’s now the favourite at the Sentosa Golf Club entering Friday at (7-1). 

Early on, the Northern Irishman has the best shot at capping his Major Championship season with a win in Singapore.  Masters Champ Phil Mickelson sits one behind McDowell at (-4) managing to finish his round before play was called and will now go off at (16-1) on Friday.

Rounding out the three major champions is Martin Kaymer who barely got out of the box on Thursday.  The German got it to (-2) thru 6 holes before darkness halted play.  Despite getting thru just 6 holes, it’s a strong start for Kaymer who’s struggled, relatively speaking, in recent weeks with a 21st and 31st in his last two starts.  Although, it can hardly be expected that he continually display the form that saw him rattle off three straight wins August thru September, including the PGA Championship.  The bookmakers have taken notice of the 25-year old’s quick start setting his odds for victory at (14-1).

With the easy scoring conditions in Singapore, the bookies have wavering confidence that the round one leaders will be able to top a talented field over 72 holes.  Chris Wood will tee off round two at (14-1) joining top players Kaymer and McDowell.  However, it’s hard to believe Wood will be able to hold on to a lead with the considerable talent close behind.  The man from Bristol, England has missed two of his last three cuts and hasn’t posted a top-25 since the beginning of September.

Meanwhile, Bi-o Kim will carry (40-1) into round two.  It’s hardly surprising as the Korean missed the cut in his only other start on the European Tour in 2010.

I've spent most of my life golfing - the rest I've just wasted.  - Author Unknown