Alex Noren ties Carnoustie course record to lead Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
Sunday 9 October 2016 17:14, UK
Alex Noren matched the Carnoustie course record to set the early pace at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as a number of Europe's Ryder Cup side struggled in Scotland.
The Swede carded a bogey-free 64 to hold a one-shot lead over Ross Fisher, as Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick both struggled in their first appearance since Europe's defeat at Hazeltine.
Noren, who followed victory at the Scottish Open in July with the European Masters title last month, birdied three of his first five holes, having started at the 10th, on his way to reaching the turn in 33.
The Swede then added a gain at the first and picked up four more strokes along the closing stretch to complete a bogey-free day at the pro-am event being played over three courses.
"It was tough conditions but probably one of the best rounds I've played, so I'm very happy right now," Noren said. "All three courses are in probably the best shape I've ever seen them.
"I like Carnoustie but I've never shot lower than maybe 71 here. I didn't expect much but it went better than I expected. I played pretty steady all day."
Fisher produced the lowest round at Kingsbarns thanks to four birdies and an eagle along his second nine to post an opening 65, while Raphael Jacquelin and Callum Shinkwin posted matching 67s to card the best performances at St Andrews.
Six of Europe's Ryder Cup team featured in Scotland, with Thomas Pieters and Rafael Cabrera Bello posting matching 70s and Martin Kaymer signing for a one-under 71 at Carnoustie.
Willett shot 73 playing alongside team-mate Lee Westwood, who recorded a 75, while Fitzpatrick racked up a quadruple-bogey at Carnoustie's sixth hole on his way to a five-over 77.
"It's great to be back, everybody is on my side here," Pieters said. "I had an interesting start. I'm still very tired mentally.
"The next two days are going to be a little easier I think. You can get away with some shots on the next two courses and yeah, you have to go lower on these next two."
Live European Tour Golf
Sky Sports pundit Nick Dougherty, who announced that this week's tournament will be his final event as a professional, sits tied-90th after an opening 73 at Kingsbarns.
Watch the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports - your home of golf. Live coverage begins on Friday from 7pm.
