Nicklaus Chiam of Singapore leads the PKNS Selangor Masters after a stunning 64, one shot clear of two Thai players in a round featuring an albatross and a hole-in-one.

SINGAPORE’s Nicklaus Chiam seized a one-stroke clubhouse lead with a scintillating seven-under-par 64 in the opening round of the PKNS Selangor Masters.

The 30-year-old, named after legend Jack Nicklaus, amassed ten birdies against three bogeys on the demanding Seri Selangor Golf Club layout.

“Today’s 64 was a pleasant surprise. My longest putt for birdie was from 14 feet, so I guess I performed well from tee to green,” said Chiam.

He leads Thailand’s Kosuke Hamamoto and Amarin Kraivixien, who both carded six-under 65s.

Hamamoto’s round included a hole-in-one at the par-three eighth hole, his sixth career ace.

Kraivixien matched the score in the afternoon, happy to return to a course where he has enjoyed strong past finishes.

Matthew Cheung of Hong Kong, China lies fourth after a 66, one shot ahead of American Berry Henson.

The round’s other major highlight was an albatross by Singapore’s Gregory Foo at the par-five sixth hole.

Foo holed his six-iron second shot from 185 metres on his way to a round of one-under-par 70.

The best-placed Malaysians were Seri Selangor ambassador Zia Izzuddeen and Khavish Varadan, who shot 70 to lie joint 16th.

Defending champion Tawit Polthai of Thailand carded a one-over-par 72.

The USD 175,000 tournament is the season-opener for the 2026 Asian Development Tour, with the top 10 on the final Order of Merit earning Asian Tour cards.

 The Sun Malaysia