Marc Warren presented European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke with a strong reminder of his talent on day one of the British Masters at Woburn.
Warren posted his best opening day score in nearly three years of a six under par 65 to be among four players tied in second place on the Marquess Course.
Sheffield’s 21-year old Matt Fitzpatrick birdied his closing two holes in an seven under 64 to head the £STG 3m event.
Warren’s score is a lowest starting round since shooting a 63 on day one of the December 2012 Nelson Mandela Championship in South Africa while it’s his lowest round since a similar 65 on day three of last year’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
Marc Warren warms to playing in the company of Darren Clarke.
The Scot is competing alongside Clarke for the opening two rounds and certainly gave Europe’s Hazeltine team leader clear impression of his talent in a round that also included Warren finding nine of 14 fairways and needing just 25 putts.
“We spoke a little bit of Ryder Cup and with Darren saying he was in the early stages of the clothing aspect including looking at some stuff last week,” he said.
“Darren remarked also he’s also looking forward to captaining the European Team in the EurAsia Cup next March and getting into the environment as a captain and learning from that.
“But then I didnt’ really think about going out with the Ryder Cup captain. I can see why it would be to someone a bit younger maybe but then I know Darren quite well, and I think from our point of view he’s great, as well.
“Darren’s attitude is great as he will chat away and make you feel comfortable, and I think he’s aware of his position in regards to the likes of myself who hasn’t played Ryder Cup and obviously want to play in it. “
However when quizzed Warren confirmed Clarke offered plenty of encouragement to the Scot to make both the EurAsia Cup team and a first Ryder Cup cap later next year.
“Yes, he said he wants us in the team but then Darren wants anybody who is playing well to be in the team. There are no favourites. He just wants the best team representing Europe,” said Warren..
Warren stands alone as the only Scot among a starting contingent of seven to make any impression on day one in Bedfordshire.
Border’s David Drysdale along with Stirling’s Craig Lee share 72nd place at one over par while Stephen Gallacher visited the on-course doctor immediately after a round of 76 and was advised to withdraw.
Gallacher is struggling with a virus and could only manage to play eight holes of the Pro-Am a day earlier.
“I’m just not feeling great. I’ve had nothing to eat and just felt sick all the time today,” he said.
“The doctor said it’s best I withdraw and just get over what is making me feel so ill. I just can’t bend over as I am feeling so dizzy, and when I stand over a putt I felt like I was going to keel over.”
