The opening round of the Staysure PGA Seniors Champions saw play get underway at 7:30am in gloomy and drizzly conditions at Trump International Golf Links but the golfing gods soon shone through to produce stunning blue skies with a gentle breeze, perfect to watch Ryder Cup vice-captain Jose Maria Olazabal and major champions Paul Lawrie & Michael Campbell plus many more global tour winners.
Robert Coles faired best of the early morning wave shooting an opening round, bogey-free 68 holding and held the lead for much of the day at four-under-par.
“It’s a really tough golf course!” Coles said. “I hit a lot of greens today, I managed to keep it on the fairway because it’s so penal if you don’t hit the fairways and miss it’s hard to get back and scramble.
“I made birdies on my 10th & 11th holes today which got me going because I missed a few chances earlier. This course is something special and it’s amazing to come and play. The gods shone us today and it turned out a really nice day!”
Germany’s Thomas Gogele joined Coles at four-under-par after making six birdies, but two bogeys on the 1st and 8th holes on his back-nine would hinder his progress on his way to an opening round 68.
Storming through the afternoon wave came last week’s Legends Tour Trophy host, Simon Khan with a flawless bogey-free, five-under-par, 67 in the benign afternoon sunshine at Trump International Golf Links.
Khan converted three birdies on the front nine on the 3rd, 7th & 9th to make the turn in 31. He would make another birdie on the 10th and 12th before making six consecutive pars on his way to the clubhouse.
“I’m really happy, even though it’s a perfect day in just a one club wind and a tough golf course with danger on every hole, its really satisfying to go bogey-free.” Khan said. “It’s a four round tournament this week which I really enjoy since turning 50 last year. I have an early tee time tomorrow so it would be good to get straight back into it and focus on every shot.”
Other notable round one performances include 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell and two-time Legends Tour winner this season Peter Baker who both carded a pair opening round 69’s, respectively to join a tie for fourth alongside Simon Griffiths, Greg Owen & Liam Bond.
The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship continues tomorrow from 7:30am – be sure to follow @eulegendstour across our social channels for all the latest highlights and check out live scoring HERE.
