In a bizarre COVID-19 related scenario and Scot Marc Warren had to carry own his own golf bag on route to a round of six-under par 66 to be sharing second place on the opening day of the Austrian Open.
Warren’s long-time caddy, Ken Herring was delayed in receiving the results of a mandatory pandemic test and with no other caddies available, the triple Tour winning Warren was left to carry his own clubs.
The 39-year old Warren, who capped his round with a 15th hole eagle, said: “That’s about the first time in about 15, 16 years I’ve had to carry my own bag competitively as my caddy, Ken did not receive the results of his testing back in time to tee-up and there was no caddies left, so that was that.”
Marc Warren and long-time caddy, Ken Herring during the Irish Open
Warren has not had a European Tour scorecard in his back pocket since the second week in January when he finished mid-field in the co-sanctioned South African Open which makes his Austrian Open round even more amazing.
“I am very pleased with my round but then you are never quite sure what it’s going to be like but then with no crowds it was also pretty strange but then it’s what it has been like the last few weeks playing at home.
“I had been hitting the ball well back home and I was just trying to keep those good thoughts and keep my game pretty free, and just hit the ball where it goes and see where it goes”
Warren joined fellow Scot Craig Howie (66) in joint second place and a shot behind Dutchman Joost Luiten (65) while a third Scot in Connor Syme birdied his opening four holes to be sharing fourth with a five-under par 67.
Syme, and who turns 25 on Saturday, is no stranger to playing well on the host Austrian course having finished runner-up two years in the Shot Clock Masters and he capped his opening round with four starting birdies.
“It was an amazing start but then I kind of slowed up a bit on the back nine after a good break on ten, I didn’t hit a good tee shot, but I had a good lie and made birdie,” said Syme.
“I was one over through the last eight, if we’re being picky, is a bit disappointing. But I’d have taken minus five if somebody offered it. You can’t win it on a Thursday, it’s a good start and I’ll hopefully keep it going tomorrow.
“And I just love it here. I did well in the Qualifying for the Europeans a few years ago in 2017. I’ve got great memories of this course and enjoy playing it. Nice atmosphere being back here and back playing. It’s all positive. It was a nice, chilled round and nice to post a good number.”
