FRENCH LESSON
Romain leads way after a record 61
IT was a case of Vive la France yesterday at the Dunhill Links Championship as a trio of Gallic stars shone on the Old Course.
Sacre bleu, Romain Langasque also became the co-course record holder at the Home of Golf.
The 27-year-old from Grasse carded an astonishing two eagles, eight birdies and a single bogey for a sensational 61 to match Ross Fisher’s achievement in 2017.
Compatriot Antoine Rozner also caught fire at the Old Course where he signed for a 63 to share third spot with Denmark’s Niklas Moller on nine-under. Frederic Lacroix was sandwiched between Langasque and Rozner after a flawless 62 at nearby Kingsbarns.
Pacesetter Langasque – ranked 272nd in the world – included eagle putts at the fifth and 12th holes from a total of 94 feet.
Yet, there was not the least hint of what was to come when Langasque, who began at the 10th, found himself one-over after two holes. But despite never looking back after that to produce the round of his life, Langasque managed to sound largely underwhelmed.
He said: “The game was great but I didn’t feel I shot 11-under. I played well on the front nine but just didn’t make long putts.
“I know that the front nine was easier for me with the right-tol-eft wind. So I was just trying to create some opportunities and I holed a few long putts that made the round better.
“It all happened so quickly. I finished seven-under for the last six holes, which was amazing. I never thought I’d have the course record at St Andrews so I am going to enjoy the feeling and then look forward to the next three days.
“I’m so happy. The last three holes were really fun when I made long putts. It’s amazing. I think it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Rookie Ewen Ferguson was also in action at the Old Course where he posted a five-under 67 to emerge as the leading Scot.
Oban’s Bob MacIntyre joined compatriots David Law of Aberdeen and Connor Syme from nearby Drumoig on four-under after the trio shot matching 68s.