–11 R Langasque (Fra); -ten F Lacroix (fra); -9 N Moeller (Den), A Rozner (Fra); -8 K Broberg (Sweden), I Elvira (Spain); -seven P Uihlein (USA), A Cockerill (Can), T Pieters (Bel), D Gavins (Eng) |
Others selected: -6 J Morrison (Eng), J Smith (Eng), D Horsey (Eng); -5 M Southgate (Eng), M Jordan (Eng), L Shepherd (Eng), A Wilson (Eng), E Ferguson (Sco); -4 C Syme (Sco), D Law (Sco), E Pepperell (Eng), R MacIntyre (Sco), F Molinari (Ita), T Hatton (Eng), J Caldwell (Eng), C Shinkwin (Eng), RMcIlroy (NI) |
Full ranking |
Romain Langasque posted a course record tying 61 at the Old Course in St Andrews to lead by a stroke after the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey to reach 11 under par and equalize Englishman Ross Fisher’s record.
Langasque said this feat will remain etched in his memory for a long time.
“I’m so happy, the last three holes were really fun and I made some long putts,” he said.
“It’s amazing. I didn’t realize I had the course record here now and I think it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
With the tournament being played on three courts, fellow countryman Frederic Lacroix was Langasque’s closest challenger on 10 under after shooting an impeccable 62 over Kingsbarns.
Another Frenchman – Antoine Rozner – finished tied for third after his round at St Andrews alongside Denmark’s Niklas Norgaard Moller, who was at Kingsbarns, with nine under.
England’s Daniel Gavins was Britain’s top player with seven under after his bogey-free 65 at the Old Course, with Ewen Ferguson the top challenger at home two strokes away.
Northern Irish world number two Rory McIlroy started the week with a four-under 68 at Carnoustie, as did Francesco Molinari in the Italian’s return to the venue where he won the 2018 Open Championship.
In addition to leading the standings, Langasque and partner Roy Ryu co-lead the team competition with 14 under par alongside Italians Andrea Pavan and Kieran McManus.
Due to the weather forecast, Friday’s second round will start at 08:30 BST across all three courses, with leader Langasque taking on Carnoustie on day two.