Five-way tie on the leader board in Andalucia Open – European Tour News
The first day of the Andalucia Open commenced on Thursday at the par-70, Parador de Malaga Golf course in Spain. Robert Rock, Johan Edfors, Jamie Elson, Rikard Karlberg and Oscar Floren managed the gutsy wind and tough conditions of the course to lead the championship.
The Englishman, Robert Rock is a veteran on the European Tour but has not had any success. He carded a brilliant round of five-under par, 65 and his approach shots were really amazing. The conditions certainly were tough as wind was blowing across the face of Rock in few holes.
The 33-year-old Rock made five birdies on the front nine and just one on the back nine. He had a total of six birdies and had a single drop shot. The only bogey came on the tough par-3, 11th where wind was blowing at its peak. His approach shot went through the green and had to be content with a bogey. Robert was more than satisfied with his performance on the first day and is hoping to continue his momentum going in the second round also.
Robert after his round said, "I've been playing good but not getting on any run of birdies or building any momentum."
As for the colourful Edfors, he made a comeback after a long while. The Swedish golfer, who has been out of touch since a few tournaments, posted a brilliant round of five-under par. He had six birdies and a single bogey on his card.
The young Rikard Karlberg, who has two victories playing on the Asian Tour, had a dream start in the first nine and managed seven birdies for the day. He also had two bogeys on hole numbers 11 and 18.
Five players hold the sixth spot. The experience Paul Lawrie, Jeppe Huldahl, Tetsuji Hiratsuka, Raul Quiros and Florian Fritsch had the same score of four-under par, 66 and trail the leaders by a margin of just one shot.
Lawrie had a bogey free for his round and made four consecutive birdies on the back nine. His birdies came on all the tough holes where the wind was at its peak. The 42-year-old Scottish golfer was looking confident with his belly putter and is hoping to secure another win on the European Tour.
Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie was not looking in the best of shape. His driving accuracy was good but the approach shots to the green were way off target. Montgomerie made four birdies and four bogeys and posted a round of even-par for the first day.
The local hero and tournament organiser Miguel Angel Jimenez was wayward with his drives and approach shots. He carded a steady round of one-over par and placed low on the leader board.
The second round of the tournament will start today.
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