Five players carded rounds of eight-under 64 to share the lead following the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Thursday. Mark Tullo, Alexandre Kaleka, Oliver Wilson, Tom Lewis and Richard McEvoy, all ranked outside the top 110 in the world, lead the way ahead of another five players a shot back. Three of the leaders enjoyed good days at St Andrews while the remaining pair shot their scores at Kingsbarns. Lewis lead the way at Kingsbarns as he broke 70 for the fifth time in his last 12 rounds. He showed good driving accuracy and his approach play to the greens was neat and tidy. He performed well with the putter too as he carded seven birdies, an eagle and a bogey. “I played well today,” the Englishman said after his round. “My putting was a lot better today. “The last couple of weeks, I&aposve been struggling, even though I&aposve shot some good scores, but today was perfect. “I holed a couple of good putts as well. If I can do some of that again for the next couple days, then I&aposll be right up there for Sunday. “Obviously I&aposm solid on the first 18; Friday is sort of my enemy. If I can try to get away from that this week, I&aposll be fine.” Chilean Tullo was in fine form at St Andrews as he carded an unblemished round that saw him start and end with two birdies. Like Tullo, Kalenka started and ended his round with birdies but it was the five on the back nine that really moved him into contention going into the second round. Former Ryder Cup player Wilson hit seven birdies, including four on the front nine, and an eagle three at the par-5 third at Kingsbarns to join Lewis as the top performer on Thursday. McEvoy hit the turn six-under with a score of 30 and was on course to lead overall as he made his way down the back nine before a bogey at 17 left him tied at the top. Of the Australians in the field at the European Tour event, Jason Norris ended his opening round three shots behind the leaders in equal 21st. Matthew Miller and fellow Aussie Greg Chalmers were a further shot adrift, with another Australian, Steven Jones, tied for 71st at two under.
Author: Omnisport