Ireland’s Gareth Maybin is out to celebrate his 32nd birthday and shake off ‘Mr. Forgotten’ tag after posting a five under par 67 on the opening day of the BMW Italian Open in suburban Turin.
Maybin, who turns 32 today (FRD), was stuck in the slow lane to be one under par for his opening 10 holes but then taking to the overtaking lane to play his closing eight in five under par and trail just three shots from he lead in the Euro 1.5m event.
Maybin’s still the only Irish golfer competing in Europe not to have tasted success on the European Tour.
Gareth Maybin scores an ace in Hong Kong but looking for a bigger prize in Italy during the week of his 32nd birthday. (Photo – Jenny Matthews/www.golffile,ie)
However of more concern was turning around a recent run of six missed cuts dating from May’s BMW International Open in Cologne and halted last week in Holland with a 67th place in the KLM Open.
“I putted really well today holing a few big ones and taking only 26 putts, so it’s nice to be right up there,” said Maybin.
“So to hole out as well as I did was pretty encouraging.”
And helping turn around Maybin’s form was a decision to begin working with new coach, Johnny Foster who works out of the Greenacres Club.
“I’ve known Johnny all my life and he’s a really good friend, and he’s turned into a pretty good coach,” said Maybin.
“I turned to him about a month ago and his work has definitely help, and aside from being able to spot what I might be doing wrong, he’s also known me so long as a person.
“Johnnie was a pretty player himself as we represented Ballyclare in Ulster and Ireland matches.”
As for a 32nd birthday wish?
“I’ve got four tournaments left this year so just to play my best would be great while I will just take a low score for the big day tomorrow,” he said smiling.
Fellow Irish Shane Lowry and Peter Lawrie are next best of the six Irish and with Lowry needing just 27 putts.
“It was a pretty average round as the course was playing pretty easy,” said Lowry.
“I had actually played lovely but then it was a bit frustrating to miss a couple of putts early doors.
“I did feel a lot more comfortable than last week so I should be happy enough.”
But then Lowry was not too impressed after taking a bogey from the middle of the fairway, and with an 8-iron in his hand.
Michael Hoey posted a 71, Simon Thornton carded a level par 72 and Damien McGrane a 73.
