Horsey leads International

David Horsey shot a course record-tying 9under 61 to lead the Saudi International at King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia.

The Englishman got to the par-5 18th hole needing an eagle for only the second ever 59 in the tour’s history but couldn’t reach the green in two, and wound up with a par to tie Dustin Johnson’s leading score from 2019.

No. 1-ranked Johnson opened with a 67 and is six shots off the lead.

No. 8-ranked Bryson DeChambeau shot 65 and was in a six-way tie for fourth. Stephen Gallacher was one shot behind Horsey. Bernd Wiesberger was third after a bogey-free 64.

After a calm morning at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, the wind picked up and made for much tougher playing conditions for the afternoon starters. They included Patrick Reed, who shot 69 and Paul Casey, who won Sunday at the Dubai Desert Classic and followed Reed in shooting 69.