Rory on high after career low

2008-09-04 22:28

Crans-Sur-Sierre, Switzerland - Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy shot the lowest round of his professional career on Thursday to open up a three-shot lead after the European Masters first round.

McIlroy fired an eight-under 63 to lead Argentina's Julio Zapata and the Welsh pair of Garry Houston and Kyron Sullivan.

But the 19-year-old was taking his score in his stride; in his amateur days he managed a 61 at Royal Portrush while his efforts on Thursday still represented three shots more than the course record of 60 first set in 1971 at this high-altitude Alpine venue.

Italian Baldovino Dassu became the first Tour player to card a 60 here 37 years ago and in 1992 Jamie Spence equalled that to win the title from a record ten behind on the last day.

McIlroy burst onto the scene last year when he was the leading amateur at the British Open and he was tipped to become the youngest player in Ryder Cup history, but he has not made a cut since failing to qualify for this year's Open.

"I've done a lot of work in the last few weeks - I've had a lot of time on my hands at weekends," he added.

"I feel like I've been hitting it really well, but the results have not shown it.

"The pro-am was my first ever round here and I just love how far the ball goes. It's a fun course."

Four birdies in the last five holes of the back nine enabled McIlroy to turn in 31, he started the outward half with another and then had three more in a row from the fifth.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, the only member of Nick Faldo's European Ryder Cup side taking part, reached six under with three to play, but bogeyed them all and had to sign for a three under 68.

- SAPA