Aberdeen’s Paul Lawrie made his first round of tournament golf back at Killarney since his debut season on the European Tour a memorable one yesterday as he surged into contention in the Irish Open.
The 1999 Open champion, who played in this event at the same venue in 1992, his first year on tour, shot a five-under-par 66.
England’s David Howell leads after a 64, while Ireland’s Damien McGrane and Australian Richard Green are on 65.
Lawrie’s 66 was matched by France’s Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, Korean Seung-yul Noh, South African Anton Haig , German Marcel Siem, England’s Darren Clarke, Spain’s Gonzalo Fdez-Castano, Australian Brett Rumford and Michael Hoey.
It could have been an even better start for the Aberdonian had he not bogeyed his final hole but, at two shots back, he remains firmly in contention going into today’s second round.
He insisted the praise should go to his sons, Craig and Michael.
Lawrie said: “It was my best putting round of the year by far. My boys have these devices which allow you to line the ball up and they said I should try it. I gave it a go as I’ve been struggling to line the putter up and it has paid off. Graeme McDowell says a 59 is possible here but if someone goes that low they will have played terrific golf.
“The 11th, 12th and 13th are tough holes as two of them are par-5s in length but there are chances to be had out there and, thankfully, I managed to take some today.”
Lawrie enjoyed a memorable week in the tournament last year when he won an Audi convertible worth £40,000 after holing his tee shot at the 196yd 17th hole at Baltray with a six iron, but opted for the money rather than the car.