Brown fires 64 to claim lead at ISPS Handa World Invitational
England’s Daniel Brown claimed a two-shot lead after the opening round of the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland as Ryder Cup hopeful Bob Macintyre finished the day six strokes adrift.
Brown carded an eagle and six birdies in an opening seven-under-par 64 at Castlerock Golf Club, one of two courses used for an event sanctioned by the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour which sees male and female players compete at the same time.
Compatriots Alex Fitzpatrick and Callan Barrow were part of a four-strong group on five under, with Italy’s Gregorio de Leo the only player in the chasing quartet to compile his score at Galgorm Castle.
Macintyre, who holds the last available automatic Ryder Cup qualifying place on the european points list, returned a one under-par 69 at Galgorm Castle, where Victor P ere z–who is seventh in the standings – struggled to an opening 74.
In the women’s event, England’s Gabriella Cowley shared the lead on four under par with Karis Davidson, Kim Metraux and Ellinor Sudow.
Fitzpatrick, who finished 17th in the Open at Royal Liverpool and won his first Challenge Tour title at St Mellion two weeks later, continued his fine form with a 66 which included five birdies in succession.
The 24-year-old, the younger brother of 2022 US Open winner Matt, said: “I just kept hitting greens and made a couple of putts and just went on a bit of a run, which was nice.
“The wind started to pick up a lot which made it harder to hit greens and give yourself chances. I stuck in well and ground out a decent score. Happy to be where I am.
“I think Galgorm is a tough golf course from what I know and it will play really soft. I think it’s meant to rain and be windy again.
“I’ll try and stick in there and grind out a score and move on to the weekend and see how that goes.”
Calum Hill and Marc Warren led the way for the Scottish contingent after they carded 69s at Castlerock to sit at two under par, while Ewen Ferguson, who won the men’s title last year, had to settle for an opening two-over 72 at Galgorm.