Paul Lawrie off to a flyer at the KLM Open

10 September 2015 10:01

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie set a blistering pace as the early starters made the most of ideal conditions in the KLM Open at Kennemer Golf Club on Thursday.

Starting from the 10th, Lawrie carded an eagle and four birdies to race to the turn in 28, equalling the lowest nine-hole score on the European Tour this season.

Lawrie, who recorded his first top-10 of the year by finishing tied for sixth in Denmark three weeks ago, eagled the par-five 12th and birdied the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th, but that was still not enough for the outright lead.

England's James Morrison was also six under thanks to six birdies in his first 13 holes, with compatriot Robert Rock and Finland's Mikko Ilonen five under after 11 and nine holes respectively.

Forty eight of the morning starters were under par, including rival Ryder Cup captains Paul McGinley and Tom Watson, who did battle at Gleneagles in 2014.

McGinley again had the upper hand on eight-time major winner Watson, albeit only by a single shot, the victorious European skipper on two under and Watson, 66, just a shot behind.

Local favourite and 2013 champion Joost Luiten was two off the lead on four under, with p re-tournament favourite Martin Kaymer - back on the European Tour after failing to qualify for the FedEx Cup play-offs in the United States - among the later starters.

Source: PA