Jamieson one off early lead at Alfred Dunhill
SCOTLAND’S Scott Jamieson is a shot off the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship following an impressive start. France’s Robin Roussel shares the lead at Leopard Creek with Poland’s Adrian Meronk. England’s Richard Bland, who is seeking a first European Tour title at the age of 47, is two shots off the lead after firing six birdies in the space of eight holes in his 67.
Jamieson, whose sole European Tour victory to date came in South Africa in 2012 in an event reduced to 36 holes by bad weather, birdied four of his last five holes after recovering from losing a ball on the par- three 12th to shoot a 66.
“I’m delighted to have a very strong finish but that’s what’s so good about this course, you’ve got three par fives in the last seven holes so you know even if you’re over par early you know there’s going to be opportunities to take,” Jamieson said.
“Thankfully I got off to a nice start and then was able to keep going as the round went on.
“The real momentum save if I’m being honest was probably on 12, my only bogey. I actually lost a ball off the tee and then holed a nice putt with my second ball for a four so that probably kept my head up.
“At that point I’m a couple under for the day and I know I’ve got three good opportunities ahead of me if I hit good shots and it worked out nicely.”
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Kelsey MacDonald lies one shot off the clubhouse lead after a rainaffected opening day of the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open de Espana.
MacDonald carded a fourunderpar 68 at Real Club de Golf Guadalmina before torrential rain brought play to an early end, with Finland’s Sanna Nuutinen at the top of the leaderboard following a 67.
The 30- year- old hit 17 greens in regulation in a bogey- free round and is enjoying having fellow professional golfer George on the bag.
“Having George on the bag has been a great addition and since his season stopped in Asia, because of Covid, he hasn’t been able to get back playing so that’s been a huge help for me as he has been available for these key weeks,” MacDonald said.