Course records tumbled on the first day of qualifying in the Scottish Amateur Championship at Crail yesterday.
After Liam Duncan had set a new low on the Balcomie links with a sparkling eight-under 61 to leap to the head of the order, Longniddry’s David Rudd came barging to the front with a 60 to ensure that Duncan’s earlier course record didn’t stand very long.
In a blizzard of birdies – he did have two bogeys as well – Rudd admitted he wasn’t actually sure what kind of score he was assembling.
“I knew it was low but I didn’t realise it was that good,” said Rudd, whose round caught fire around the turn where he blasted six birdies in a row from the seventh. “As soon as I came off the last, it hit me, and I realised how well I had played.”
Duncan, who is in the first year of scholarship at New Mexico University, reeled off eight birdies in a neatly assembled card while a raft of players, including former Scottish Boys’ champion Eric McIntosh, fired 62s.
👏 | Liam Duncan takes the lead by breaking the Balcomie course record with a sensational 61 on Day 1 at @CrailGolf.
— Scottish Golf (@ScottishGolf) July 30, 2019
Keep up to date on all the latest scores from the Men's Amateur Championship 👉 https://t.co/xoqoNW8Bdr pic.twitter.com/tJkFuuK9Ws
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“I have struggled of late with my game and not for a moment did I think I could go out and shoot a 61,” conceded Duncan. “It was more about just going out and enjoying myself. Normally, I am that guy who shoots level par or one-over or one-under.”
Callum Macaulay, the former European Tour player and Scottish Amateur champion in 2008, opened with a 64 while 50-year-old defending champion Euan McIntosh had to settle for a one-over 73 on the Craighead links and needs to go low today to haul himself into a top 64 spot required to qualify for the matchplay stages.
On the family front, Gregor Graham posted a 63, two better than dad, Stuart. Twelve-year-old Connor had a 74 at Craighead.
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