Italy’s Francesco Molinari produced a new course record 10-under par 62 to take an early three shot lead on day one of the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart in northern Scotland.
Molinari, 29 birdied five holes in a row from his fifth and then four in succession from his 12th in a bogey free display that is two strokes fewer than the previous low set in the event a year ago.
Francesco Molinari sets now official Castle Stuart course record with a 62. (Photo - Thanks to www.europeantour.com)
The London-based Italian’s round comes also just four days after he shot a final round 64 to grab second place in the French Open.
“It felt quite easy today but then it’s not as easy as it looks but I was feeling comfortable on the golf course,” he said.
“I had a terrible day on the greens in Paris last Saturday but had a good session on the practice putting green Saturday evening.
“Sunday was just brilliant, and today I just kept it going. I know it’s not going to keep going for much longer, so I’ll enjoy the moment.”
Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen also was bogey free in shooting a seven under par 65 to by lying second and one fewer than Ireland’s Shane Lowry and England’s Robert Coles who signed for 66s.
World No. 1 and defending champion, Luke Donald is in a group at five under par after starting his round with four straight birdies but spoilt his momentum with bogeys at five and eight before three further birdies over his last six holes.
This week is Donald’s first event since missing the U.S. Open halfway cut with a shock 11-over par 36-hole tally.
“It was a great start and I could not have asked for better but that was a sloppy bogey at eight that halted my momentum,” he said.
“Overall, it’s a pretty satisfying start after being away from the game for three weeks.
“So to come back and find some form pretty early on is encouraging.”
Footnote –
Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed shot a final round 62 in the event last year but that was under a ‘preferred lie’ rule in effect.
