Scott Jamieson was all smiles heading off for a meal of his favourite spaghetti carbonara and a bottle of Barolo in sharing the clubhouse lead on a weather-affected opening day of the DS Automobiles Italian Open near Rome.
Jamieson, along with World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, were among six players in posting four-under 67s on the Ryder Cup Marco Simone host course to the north-east of the Italian capital.
When poor light halted play late in the day nearly half the field were still to complete their round including reigning US Open champ Matthew Fitzpatrick who had moved to five-under-par and three holes to play.
Jamieson grabbed five birdies, with four of them in the range of 10 to 14-feet, to end the round that had been delayed for an hour due to rain and lightning, and with poor light halting play and with many in the afternoon half of the draw not completing their opening rounds.
Scot Scott Jamieson continues his good form in competing the DS Automobiles Italian Open (Image – Getty)
He said: “I surprised how windy it was when I arrived at the course this morning, and then after about three or four holes we were going to be hit by a storm but then the wind dropped but it came back with avengance.
“The course is also playing much different this year with the fairways a lot narrower while the rough is more severe than a year ago.”
Unlike McIlroy and making his maiden Italian Open appearance, Jamieson has been a super supporter of the event, teeing-up now on nine occasions since his debut in 2011.
Jamieson’s best was a T7th in 2016 while he finished T8th a year ago and just loves everything about Italy.
He said: “I’ve always enjoyed coming to play the Italian Open. We were here at Marco Simone last year, so we took in the sights of Rome, and it’s good to be back here this year.
Scott Jamieson’s favourite Italian meal and drink – Spaghetti Carbonara and a glass of Barolo
“But I just love the food here in Italy so I’ll be heading out tonight looking forward to a good spaghetti carbonara, and as long as you are washing it down with a bottle of Barolo (smiling).”
Robert MacIntyre managed to complete his round with a one-under 70 as did Grant Forrest in signing for a 72.
Other Scots –
David Law 74, Craig Howie 75.
