Golf: Smyth sweeps clear of field
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.GOLF
THE FORMER Ryder Cup player, Des Smyth, struck a blow for the veterans yesterday when he fashioned a two-shot lead in the first round of the Algarve Open.
The 46-year-old Irishman, whose last European Tour success was the 1993 Madrid Open, had birdies at five of the first six holes, two of them with chip-ins, on the way to a six-under-par 66.
It was the lowest return on a course trimmed from par 73 to 72 but failed to count as a record because preferred lies were in operation on the sodden fairways.
Even though the wet weather has produced a long course, a trusty "broom- handle" putter left Smyth two better than a pack of six - the South African Retief Goosen, Japan's Katsuyoshi Tomori, Swede Fredrik Jacobson, Spaniards Santiago Luna and Miguel Jimenez and Frenchman Jean van de Velde.
The long-handled club paid handsome dividends for Smyth as he needed only 11 putts going out and 13 coming home - three from off the green.
After several ups and downs last year and a poor start this year, the genial Irishman now has his feet on the ground.
"Today was a real blast from the past for me," Smyth said. "But tournaments are over 72 holes. If I'm still up there with nine holes to go on Sunday I will not be afraid to win.
"But making the cut will be a relief after missing out both times this year so far. I only kept my card by two places and about pounds 1,500 last year and I don't want that kind of worry again this year. I think I've scared myself into this score. I feel like a hare being chased by a lot of greyhounds, knowing I can't get away from them still for another four years when I join the seniors. But I just love being competitive. It's where I get my buzz."
Scotland's Sam Torrance, 45, was another veteran on song, returning after a five-week injury lay-off to shoot a 69.
Goosen was playing only his second event this year after breaking his left arm in a skiing accident on 2 January.
European rankings leader David Howell had a disappointing 74, while the defending champion Peter Mitchell carded 71. Their English compatriot Justin Rose shot 71 to give himself a chance of making his first cut at the 15th attempt as a professional.
ALGARVE OPEN (Penina, Portugal) First-round scores (GB or Irl unless stated): 66 D Smyth. 68 R Goosen (SA), M A Jimenez (Sp), K Tomori (Jpn), S Luna (Sp), F Jacobson (Swe), J Van De Velde (Fr). 69 F Valera (Sp), S Torrance, D Gilford, M Scarpa (It), R Karlsson (Swe). 70 S Webster, J Rivero (Sp), I Garbutt, B May (US), R Winchester. 71 A Oldcorn, P Lawrie, A Coltart, A Cejka (Ger), P Fulke (Swe), A Wall, J Bickerton, R Boxall, P Mitchell, C Hainline (US), T Johnstone (Zim), M Jonzon (Swe), H Clark, J Rose, F Cea (Sp), R Wessels (SA), P Affleck, P Linhart (Swe). 72 S Henderson, M Florioli (It), V Phillips, F Lindgren (Swe), D Borrego (Sp), E Canonica (It), W Riley (Aus), R Jacquelin (Fr), J M Arruti (Sp), G Evans, R Gonzalez (Arg), M Tunnicliff, B Lane, I Pyman, P Hedblom (Swe), M Roe, A Sobrinho (Por), A Cabrera (Arg), J Mellor, JP Cixous (Fr), S Bennett. 73 G Orr, T Levet (Fr), J Berendt (Arg), A McLardy (SA), J Lara (Sp), S Gallacher, H Nystrom (Swe), D Hospital (Sp), A Hansen (Den), P Baker, T Munoz (Sp), R J Dersken (Ned), P Eales, J Quiros (Sp), *N Campino (Por), J Singh (Ind), J McHenry, T Gillis (US). 74 A Sherborne, S Hansen (Den), B Davis, A Beal, G Norquist (US), C Whitelaw (SA), R Claydon, P Harrington, D Chopra (Swe), F Tarnaud (Fr), D Howell, M Anglert (Swe), J Spence, T Gogele (Ger), R Drummond, J Coceres (Arg), D Robertson.
* denotes amateur.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments