The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘Jaded’ Wallace just one shot off lead at Made in Denmark
Englishman goes from British Masters to New York to Denmark but says he’s in ‘good shape’ for latest challenge
Defending champion Matt Wallace is just one shot off the lead after the first round of the Made In Denmark, despite feeling “jaded” by his recent exploits.
Wallace finished second in the British Masters a fortnight ago and within a few hours was on his way to New York for the US PGA Championship at Bethpage, where he finished in a tie for third behind Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson.
The 29-year-old Londoner had no time to celebrate his best result in a major championship as he flew straight to Denmark to defend the third European Tour title he won in 2018, but showed no ill effects with an opening 67 at Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort.
“Three different ways of playing but all three we’ve had a lot of wind so getting out there relatively early was nice, to get four birdies on my front nine to start the tournament was good,” Wallace said.
“I’m a little bit jaded so might take this afternoon off but we’re in good shape.”
Less than four years ago Wallace was finishing fifth in a tournament on the Alps Tour to climb to 1,672 in the world rankings, but the following year won six times on the same circuit and has recorded four European Tour victories in the last two seasons.
His performance at Bethpage lifted him to a career-high 25th in the world rankings and Wallace added: “It’s going in the right direction.
“I’m working hard for it, it’s not like it’s just come randomly.
“There’s more bits that I want to work on, there’s bits I want to improve at.
“There’s a long way to go for the rest of the year and I haven’t won yet so it’s important to me to try and get that and try and do that this week.”
Five players shared the lead on five under par, the English trio of Paul Waring, Matthew Southgate and Tom Murray, Spain’s Alejandro Canizares and Italy’s Edoardo Molinari all carding rounds of 66.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who finished runner-up at the British Masters alongside Wallace, also lies a shot off the lead after a 67.
David Drysdale carded a 68 with fellow Scot Marc Warren a shot further back.
Grant Forrest and Scott Jamieson were in a group on 70 but Stephen Gallacher, Richie Ramsay, Liam Johnston and David Law were all over par with work to do in today’s second round.