American journeyman List ties record, Fowler hot on his heels
>> GULLANE: Journeyman American golfer Luke List shot a course-equalling seven-under-par 63 to set the pace after the first round of the Scottish Open on Thursday, the penultimate event before the British Open next week.
The 33-year-old — who recorded his best performance on the PGA tour earlier this year losing in a play-off to Justin Thomas in the Honda Classic — saw the likes of Masters champion Patrick Reed and the man who finished runner-up in Augusta, Rickie Fowler, also record low scores.
Fowler was one of five players a shot off List, although the brightly-adorned 29-year-old American might feel a little disappointed having at one stage been on course for the first ever score on the European Tour of 59.
Nevertheless Fowler was wellplaced to repeat his victory on the same course in 2015 — which resulted in the members naming the clubhouse bar after him.
“I love playing links golf and being able to use your imagination and hit different shots,” said Fowler, who is still chasing his first major title.
Reed was one of eight players a further shot back along with Englishman Matthew Southgate, who was the victim of a few remarks because he shares the surname of England football manager Gareth, the new fashion icon.
“A few people were chucking out the ‘Nice shot Gareth’ but I’m not sure Gareth threads it through linksy bunkers like I do with the driver!” Southgate joked after a round containing an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys.