Course record puts Fisher in control
by Brian Murphy, 04 July 2008
Ross Fisher fired a course record nine-under-par 63 to lead the field on the opening day of the European Open at the London Club.
Fisher birdied the last six holes to register the lowest round of his Tour career, making light of the blustery conditions to lead Graeme McDowell by two shots.
Leaderboard
The 27-year-old had considered pulling out of the event after completing the Open qualifier at Sunningdale on Monday, but kicked back by taking his wife to watch the tennis at Wimbledon on Tuesday and played the course on Thursday morning for the very first time.
However, the Englishman showed no signs of fatigue when he birdied the first two holes and was out in a remarkable 30 strokes, including a holed bunker shot on the seventh and a monster drive at the 448-yard ninth which was just 20 yards short of the green.
"It's probably the best, most solid round of golf I've played and on the front nine the hole was as big as a bucket,” Fisher said.
Colin Montgomerie finished on two-under-par having failed to capitalise on an early birdie blitz that saw him on three under after eight holes.
Defending Open champion Padraig Harrington could only manage a level par round of 72 and is fully aware that a repeat showing next week at Royal Birkdale will not end his year-long wait for a Tour title.
However, the Dubliner admitted that he is still suffering from the effects of a neck injury.
"I'm happy with my short-game and I was as solid as I've been all year on the greens, but I struggled to get distance control," he said.
"You've just got to stay patient and wait for it to turn round. My neck is still a little bit jammed, but I wouldn't have played this week if I was truly injured."
Countryman Paul McGinley imploded on the final two holes to ruin his scorecard and finish with a 69 to join playing partner Justin Rose, while Darren Clarke and Sergio Garcia both shot 71.
South African David Frost joined McDowell in second after a 66, with Irish youngster Rory McIlroy back in fourth spot.
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