Ferguson Delighted To Tame Porsche European Open ‘Green Monster’

11 months ago by Comments Off on Ferguson Delighted To Tame Porsche European Open ‘Green Monster’

Double Tour winning Scot Ewen Ferguson took delight in taming Germany’s version of the ‘Green Monster’ to be already well-placed after the opening day of the Porsche European Open.

Ferguson, 26, grabbed five birdies with the best a 10-footer at the par-4 12th hole in a two-under par 71 on the brutal par-73 Green Eagle course in suburban Hamburg.

The duo of local hero Max Kieffer and Swede Simon Forsstrom shared the lead by a shot with four-under 69s.

The host course is one of the toughest on the DP World Tour, playing to 7,455 yards and is known affectionately as the ‘Green Monster’, and so demanding that just 19 players among 156 starters were under par on day one in the 40th anniversary of the event.

The Modest Golf attached Ferguson was delighted with his effort that was six shots fewer after withdrawing from the event a year ago following his opening 77.

Ferguson said: “I’ve been quite well this year and today was a case of just keeping it going.

“I am realising that it helps that I am returning to many of the courses where I have played well, and I know when I do play well, I can get myself into contention.

“Though I remember being here last year and thinking ‘Wow! This place is just too hard’.  So, I arrived back this week feeling mentally that I know a bit more about what’s happening as some holes play hard and others you can get at.

“The course is such a long walk that it’s both physically and mentally tough, and with the winds up like it was out there today, it’s even tougher.

“I knew I would make some mistakes but I said to my caddy all you can do is have a laugh as everyone is going to make mistakes.

“The good thing is that I have posted a good first day score on such a hard golf course, and that’s what I thought teeing-off if I can shoot around par I should be in a good place”.

There was a rare Tour sight of Ferguson putting out of a bunker at the par-3 eighth hole, and with the bunker hardly any lip but with the Scot also dropping a shot.

Gleneagles Calum Hill signed for a one-under 72 and one fewer than Fifer Connor Syme.

Other Scots –

David Law & Scott Jamieson – 75s

Robert MacIntyre 76,

Marc Warren and Grant Forrest 78s.



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