Rome Ryder Cup vice-captain Thomas Bjorn was overflowing with praise for the Scottish duo of Ewen Ferguson and Robert MacIntyre on day one of the Made in Himmerland event at Farso in Denmark.
Double DP World winning Ferguson soared into a five-way share of second with an eagle and six birdies for an eight-under 63.
England’s Ross McGowan broke the then five-player deadlock on 63 with his new course record of a nine-under 62 in glorious conditions.
Beardson-based Ferguson capped his round sensationally holing a 140-yard wedge shot at the par-4 first hole the Scot was playing as his 10th.
He said: “I had an in-between yardage at the first and, because I was playing quite well, I thought I would just hammer a wedge straight at it. So, to see it drop was a great sight.
“Overall, it was pretty cool and pretty amazing. I just really played good golf. I didn’t do anything wrong and just enjoyed my golf.”
Peebles Craig Howie signed for a 64 while top-ranked Scot MacIntyre is only three off the lead thanks to an eagle and five birdies for his best score in 49 Tour rounds this year for the struggling Oban lefty.
All smiles – With the Scottish duo of Ewen Ferguson and Robert McIntyre well placed heading to day two of the Made in Himmerland.
Ferguson and McIntyre are playing in the company of Bjorn for the opening two rounds and with the now 51-year-old champion Dane, who led Europe to emphatic seven-point success four years ago in Versailles, posting a two-under 69.
And Bjorn, who’s been purposely placed in the group in his Rome role, was clearly GOdelighted with the efforts of the two young Scots.
He said: “Ewen’s in great form and he was impressive today.
”If that’s the golf that he plays, he is very solid and it doesn’t look as though there are many negatives in his game.
”It looked easy for him today and he never seemed to get in his own way.
“Playing with him and Bob today, if that’s the talent that’s coming through this tour, we are looking pretty good for the future.
“You’ve got to keep pushing. Winning events is the thing that gives you confidence and you’ve got to keep pushing and go on to bigger things and get stronger in your mindset.
“They have all got a lot to learn, but they are doing the right things and those two today you can tell they believe they can do it and that’s an excellent start.
“So very impressed by the two young Scots.”
Ferguson, who is clearly in line for DP World ‘Rookie of the Year’ title, also summed-up playing along Bjorn and MacIntyre.
He said: “It was the first time I’d played with Thomas and obviously I’ve played with Bob since I was, well, in nappies (laughing).
“Thomas was saying he couldn’t believe how much us Scots moan, but I think he matched us pretty well today”.
Recent Cazoo Classic champ Richie Ramsay bogeyed two of his closing three holes in a five-under 65 to be tied with Stephen Gallacher and Grant Forrest.
OTHER SCOTS
68 – David Law, David Drysdale, Marc Warren
71 – Connor Syme
